Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, has emphasized the necessity for enhanced aviation regulations and strategic tourism planning to bolster regional connectivity. His remarks came during the Ministerial Dialogue on Connecting Tourism and Aviation in Tonga, where he called for increased collaboration among regional organizations to strengthen the ties between these two essential sectors.
Gavoka showcased Fiji’s integrated approach—where tourism and civil aviation are managed under a single ministry—as a model for other nations in the region. He stressed that this cohesive strategy could serve as a blueprint for improving overall connectivity and enhancing the tourism experience in the Pacific.
In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the South Pacific Tourism Organization’s (SPTO) Tourism and Aviation Strategy 2026–2030. He urged development partners to invest in this strategy and assist with capacity-building initiatives, highlighting the importance of such support in fostering sustainable regional tourism.
These sentiments align with Gavoka’s previous acknowledgment of the vital role strong regional cooperation plays in addressing challenges within the aviation industry. As he has pointed out in earlier discussions, modernizing aviation infrastructure and establishing safer travel protocols are critical to ensuring the Pacific islands can compete effectively on a global scale.
The ongoing discussions and collaborative efforts among Pacific nations reflect a hopeful outlook for the aviation and tourism industries, encouraging growth and innovation while also prioritizing sustainability. By forging stronger links between these sectors, the region may soon see enhanced economic development opportunities, benefiting both local communities and international travelers.
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