Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka announced that the Coalition Government aims to ensure Fiji’s indigenous community benefits from the tourism industry.
Speaking at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 24th Global Summit, which gathered over 800 international representatives, tourism leaders, and media, Gavoka emphasized the cultural and historical exchanges that indigenous communities provide to visitors.
He highlighted that such experiences often rank among the most memorable for travelers, addressing a panel session focused on enhancing connections within indigenous tourism. However, he pointed out that many indigenous groups are frequently overlooked when it comes to sharing in the tourism profits.
For effective integration of indigenous tourism into broader offerings, Gavoka stressed the necessity of political commitment and established institutions. He noted the importance of legislative rights, resource access, and fair participation, advocating for ongoing empowerment, dialogue, and co-creation with indigenous groups.
“Tourism is sometimes regarded as exclusive to specific community segments; we intend to change that. We are collaborating with indigenous groups to amplify their voices and ensure they reap the benefits of tourism,” he stated.
The WTTC includes prominent figures from the tourism sector, with representatives from leading companies such as the Cruise Lines International Association, Emirates, Expedia, Google, TripAdvisor, and Trip.com. This year’s summit in Perth, Western Australia, featured notable speakers including former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and environmental advocate Robert Irwin.