Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka emphasized the Coalition Government’s commitment to ensuring that Fiji’s indigenous communities benefit from the tourism industry. His remarks were made during the World Travel & Tourism Council’s 24th Global Summit, which brought together over 800 representatives from governments, tourism leaders, investors, and media across the globe.
As the Tourism Minister, Mr. Gavoka highlighted that indigenous communities play a crucial role by welcoming tourists and sharing their rich history and culture. He noted that these experiences often rank among the highlights of travelers’ experiences.
However, he pointed out that many indigenous communities are frequently overlooked or excluded from sharing in the financial gains of tourism. To effectively integrate indigenous tourism into the broader tourism offerings, strong political support and robust institutions are necessary. Mr. Gavoka stressed the importance of appropriate laws, resource access, and fair participation, advocating for ongoing empowerment, dialogue, and collaboration.
He acknowledged that tourism can sometimes appear exclusive to certain segments of the community, stating a desire to change this perception. The government is actively engaging with indigenous groups to ensure their interests are represented and that they can reap the rewards of tourism.
The Council’s membership includes global leaders and over 200 executives from top tourism organizations, such as the Cruise Lines International Association, Emirates, Expedia, Google, TripAdvisor, and Trip.com. This year’s summit in Perth, Western Australia, featured influential speakers including former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and environmental advocate Robert Irwin.