OCIT Announces Official Launch of Marshall Islands Pocket Guide

MAJURO, REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS — August 2026 — The Office of Commerce, Investment & Tourism (OCIT) is pleased to announce the official launch of the Marshall Islands Pocket Guide, a new online travel resource designed to showcase the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and make it easier for visitors to discover, plan and book their experiences across the country.

Developed in partnership with South Pacific Pocket Guide, the Marshall Islands Pocket Guide brings together comprehensive travel information on attractions, culture, accommodations, dining, transportation, shopping, activities and practical visitor services in one accessible online platform.

The new website is the tenth destination guide published by South Pacific Pocket Guide and launches with 136 articles dedicated to the Marshall Islands, including a feature highlighting 101 things to do across RMI.

For OCIT, the launch represents an important step toward strengthening the Marshall Islands’ digital tourism presence and ensuring local tourism businesses and visitor experiences are more visible to international travellers during the critical trip-planning stage.

“With the Marshall Islands Pocket Guide, for the first time, we are bringing together trusted information on our attractions, culture, local businesses, accommodations and experiences into one accessible platform,” said Loretta Lori deBrum, Marketing and Public Relations Officer for OCIT. “This will make it easier for visitors to discover what the Marshall Islands has to offer while giving our tourism operators greater visibility and opportunities to reach new markets. It is an investment in our destination, our people and the long-term growth of our tourism industry. Every visitor deserves a memorable experience, and this guide helps us tell our story with pride and authenticity.”

Built Through On-the-Ground Research

The launch follows 10 days of on-the-ground research conducted in Majuro in July 2026 by South Pacific Pocket Guide representatives Robin and Laura, with OCIT facilitating itineraries, industry consultations and connections with tourism stakeholders.

During the visit, the team visited or met with representatives from 11 accommodation providers and more than 40 eateries, handicraft stores, tour, activity and transport operators. They also connected with shops, service providers and other businesses that benefit from tourism, as well as industry members offering visitor experiences and products on the outer atolls.

The research highlighted the diversity of experiences available in the Marshall Islands, from distinctive handicraft traditions and traditional canoe building to local food and drink, cultural experiences and opportunities to sail aboard traditional canoes.

“Marshall Islands is a country that undersells itself. People told us there was nothing to do, even some locals, but the Pocket Guide now has an article featuring 101 things to do in the Marshall Islands. Yes, 101,” said Robin, Operations Manager at South Pacific Pocket Guide.

“It was a privilege to discover how much RMI has to offer, from its distinctive handicraft techniques and incredible canoe-building traditions to opportunities to sail on traditional canoes and experience pandanus-based food and drinks. These are things we have seen nowhere else in the Pacific. They are genuine points of difference for the Marshall Islands.”

Robin also acknowledged the hospitality received during the visit and OCIT’s role in coordinating the project.

“The kindness and wonderful humour of Marshallese people made the experience even more memorable and are a big part of why we cannot wait to return in November. We are extremely grateful to the Office of Commerce, Investment & Tourism for facilitating the project, developing itineraries, organising the visit, arranging consultations and connecting us with key members of the tourism industry.”

Nearly One Million Views During July Visit

While in Majuro, the South Pacific Pocket Guide team also shared their experiences through social media. Although social media coverage was not part of the main project, the content provided an early opportunity to showcase the Marshall Islands to both local and international audiences.

Content generated during the visit received approximately 948,000 views and 45,000 interactions, demonstrating significant interest in the people, culture and visitor experiences of the Marshall Islands.

The Marshall Islands Pocket Guide will build on this exposure by providing travellers with detailed information when they search online for the destination.

In addition to highlighting attractions and activities, the platform addresses practical questions visitors may have about transportation, supermarkets, services, accommodations, dining and everyday travel logistics.

Supporting Local Tourism Businesses

OCIT encourages tourism businesses throughout the Marshall Islands to take advantage of the new platform and ensure their products and experiences are represented.

South Pacific Pocket Guide plans to return regularly to RMI to update information and expand its coverage. The team is expected to return in November 2026 for the second stage of the project, including further coverage of the outer atolls after weather conditions prevented a planned visit to Arno during the July research trip.

The November visit is also expected to progress Trip Carver, an initiative that will enable local tourism businesses to receive a free website designed to accept online tourism bookings.

Three industry consultations were held during the July visit to introduce the initiative and discuss opportunities for Marshall Islands tourism operators to participate.

Tourism businesses interested in being featured in the Marshall Islands Pocket Guide, or interested in receiving a free website designed to accept tourism bookings, are encouraged to contact OCIT ahead of the November visit at ourteam@rmiocit.org.

Strengthening RMI's Digital Tourism Presence

Development of the Marshall Islands Pocket Guide is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) program. The Marshall Islands project represents the first step for P4A in a broader initiative to extend the Pocket Guides across other North Pacific countries.

The project was also made possible with support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). This support contributes to efforts to strengthen the digital presence of the Marshall Islands tourism industry, connect local businesses with international travellers and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth through partnership with OCIT.

OCIT welcomes residents, tourism operators, industry stakeholders and visitors to explore the new guide and discover the many experiences available throughout the Marshall Islands.

Visit marshallislandspocketguide.com to explore the Marshall Islands Pocket Guide.

About the Office of Commerce, Investment & Tourism

The Office of Commerce, Investment & Tourism (OCIT) works to support sustainable economic development in the Republic of the Marshall Islands through commerce, investment, private-sector development and tourism. OCIT works with local businesses, communities, government partners and international development partners to strengthen economic opportunities and promote the Marshall Islands as a distinctive and welcoming destination.

About South Pacific Pocket Guide

South Pacific Pocket Guide is an online travel guide publisher providing comprehensive destination information across Fiji, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, American Samoa, Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu, Niue, New Zealand and now the Marshall Islands.

The platform reaches approximately 1.63 million monthly readers across 5,175 in-depth articles, developed through on-the-ground research and collaboration with Destination Management Organisations and tourism industry partners. Its guides are free for travellers to access.

For more information, visit www.southpacificpocketguide.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Office of Commerce, Investment & Tourism (OCIT)

P.O. Box 898

Majuro, Marshall Islands 96960

Tel: +692 625-4624 Email: ourteam@rmiocit.org Website: www.rmiocit.org