Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, is currently representing Fiji at the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai, alongside the Fijian Ambassador to Japan, Filimone Waqabaca. This summit is a collaborative effort between the Government of Japan and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), focusing on the recovery of the tourism sector in the Asia-Pacific region following the challenges posed by the pandemic.
During his speech at the summit, Hon. Gavoka emphasized Fiji’s dedication to developing a resilient tourism industry, particularly in light of the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters. He remarked, “We have used these crises as an opportunity to rebuild stronger,” highlighting the tourism sector’s resilience through past adversities such as SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and COVID-19.
Gavoka’s remarks reflected Fiji’s strategic vision for the tourism industry, which includes fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. He pointed out the government’s initiatives to diversify tourism offerings and improve disaster preparedness, acknowledging the sector’s vital contribution to Fiji’s economy. The minister called for a stronger and more varied economic foundation driven by sustainable public-private partnerships and thoughtful policy-making.
The summit featured a Ministerial Meeting, inaugurated by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo, and included contributions from notable figures such as the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner, the UNWTO Executive Director, and the Mayor of Sendai. Discussions centered on the necessity of proactive measures for disaster preparedness, resilience-building, and adaptive recovery in the tourism field.
As Gavoka stated, “We’re using this recovery to build resilience. This also means creating policies and programs that not only guide us today but will serve us in the years to come.” With tourism being a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, the future of the sector hinges on strategies that encourage both growth and sustainability.
This summit exemplifies a collective effort among tourism leaders to innovate and adapt, with the shared goal of strengthening the industry’s foundation. It sends a hopeful message that by working together and focusing on resilience, the tourism sector can recover and thrive beyond its recent challenges.
Overall, the focus on building a more robust and sustainable tourism sector in Fiji sets a positive outlook for the future of the industry, as it embraces change and seeks to overcome past setbacks.
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