Tourism research publication released

Sieni Tiraa has made significant contributions to a newly published study on optimizing tourism priorities in the Pacific.

The paper, "The Value of Q-Methodology for Optimising Tourism Priorities," appeared in the Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research on January 6, 2026. It explores community perspectives on tourism futures in Fiji and the Cook Islands, using Q-methodology to identify diverse priorities and promote inclusive planning.

The research was carried out across June of 2023. Sieni's key roles included data curation, investigation, and validation, drawing on her local expertise to engage communities in Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Mitiaro. She also contributed to reviewing and editing the manuscript, ensuring cultural relevance and accuracy.

"This research highlights how tourism can better serve our islands' wellbeing by engaging with the people in those respective places," Tiraa noted. Her work underscores the importance of community voices in sustainable tourism development.