A recent workshop focused on the Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism Agenda is enhancing collaboration between farmers and the tourism sector throughout the Pacific. Christopher Cocker, Chief Executive of the Pacific Tourism Organization, emphasized the importance of gastronomy as a growing niche that aligns with the region’s objective of implementing high-value, low-impact tourism. He noted that agri-tourism, eco-tourism, and gastronomy form essential pillars of this approach.
This workshop aims to link farmers with tour operators to develop food-centered tours that include farm visits and local dining experiences. Cocker underscored that agriculture serves as the foundation of regional economies, while tourism, though relatively newer, holds significant untapped potential for growth.
Salaseini Daunabuna, the Permanent Secretary for Tourism, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with Fiji’s 10-year National Sustainable Tourism Framework, aiming for a sustainable tourism industry by 2034. This framework incorporates strategies to effectively connect agriculture with tourism, addressing the current issues of isolation between the two sectors and mitigating Fiji’s high import bill.
Daunabuna further elaborated on gastronomy tourism, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere consumption to include the unique stories and traditions behind each meal—highlighting the cultural richness of the Pacific.
The strategies outlined in this workshop resonate with ongoing initiatives like the Farm to Fork program, which aims to funnel locally-sourced produce into the tourism sector, thereby reducing economic leakage from imported food and promoting sustainability. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka has previously stressed the necessity of these connections to ensure that the culinary offerings for tourists reflect Fijian agriculture.
The workshops and initiatives currently underway demonstrate a proactive commitment to weaving together these sectors, which presents a hopeful outlook for both local communities and the environment, ensuring that tourism not only flourishes economically but also respects and preserves the rich cultural heritage of the region.
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