Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka has highlighted the critical importance of enhancing collaboration between Fiji’s agriculture and tourism sectors to boost economic resilience and provide authentic experiences for visitors. Addressing attendees at the 2025 National Agriculture Show in Koroivolu Park, Gavoka emphasized the need for these two key economic pillars to work hand in hand for sustainable growth.
According to Gavoka, with almost a million tourists visiting Fiji last year, there presents a significant opportunity for local farmers to supply fresh, authentic Fijian cuisine directly to hotels and resorts. He encouraged farmers to diversify their produce, including herbs and exotic fruits, to forge direct partnerships with tourism operators, and to adopt sustainable practices that appeal to eco-conscious travelers.
The focus on agro-tourism, identified as one of the fastest-growing global travel trends, presents opportunities in farm visits, homestays, and farm-to-table dining experiences. The Deputy Prime Minister noted the increasing importance of culinary tourism as part of Fiji’s overall visitor experience.
Gavoka reiterated the Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthening supply chains between farmers and the tourism sector. This involves supporting cooperatives and agribusinesses, promoting sustainable farming, encouraging rural tourism investment, and aligning policies with resilience and sustainability goals.
The 2025 National Agriculture Show, themed “Be Resilient, Produce Smart, Go Local, and Grow Agro-Tourism,” underscores these initiatives. The event highlights the dual role of promoting local agriculture and enhancing the tourism experience, aligning with previous efforts such as the Farm to Fork initiative launched in collaboration with various ministries and international organizations like the UNFAO. This initiative aims to minimize economic leakage caused by food imports by directly connecting farmers with tourism operators.
Given the theme and recent efforts, Fiji is set to position itself as a leader in climate-smart agricultural practices that support both food security and economic resilience. The initiative not only supports the agricultural community but also enhances the sustainability of Fiji’s tourism offerings, presenting an optimistic future for the nation’s interconnected economic sectors.
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