Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka, alongside Fijian Ambassador to Japan Filimone Waqabaca, are representing Fiji at the Tourism Resilience Summit taking place in Sendai. This event, co-hosted by the Government of Japan and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has gathered tourism leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies for post-pandemic recovery, sustainability, and resilience amid ongoing global challenges.
During his speech, Minister Gavoka emphasized Fiji’s dedication to strengthening its tourism sector, particularly in light of its susceptibility to natural disasters. He remarked that previous crises, such as SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have served as catalysts for rebuilding the tourism industry more robustly.
Gavoka articulated Fiji’s strategy for revitalizing its tourism sector with a focus on sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience, highlighting efforts to diversify tourism offerings and improve disaster preparedness. He recognized the vital role of tourism in Fiji’s economy and talked about creating a “stronger and diverse economic base” through sustainable partnerships and forward-thinking policies.
The summit featured a Ministerial Meeting inaugurated by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo, along with contributions from officials such as the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner, UNWTO Executive Director, and Sendai’s Mayor. Discussions revolved around the necessity of proactive disaster preparedness and adaptive recovery to confront future threats.
Leaders at the summit stressed the significance of collaborative efforts to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and foster innovation within the tourism sector. As Gavoka stated, “We’re using this recovery to build resilience,” which involves establishing policies and programs that benefit not only the present but also future generations.
With tourism being a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, its future hinges on strategies that balance growth with sustainability, fostering hope for a robust and adaptable industry moving forward.
In summary, this summit represents a significant step for Fiji in addressing the challenges faced by the tourism sector while promoting sustainable growth and resilience in the face of potential future crises.
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