Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, is spearheading Fiji’s delegation at the prestigious ITB Berlin, a global tourism exhibition in Germany that has attracted representatives from over 180 countries. Alongside Tourism Fiji Chief Executive Dr. Paresh Pant, the delegation aims to bolster partnerships and enhance Fiji’s visibility in international markets.
ITB Berlin is celebrated as the premier international tourism trade exhibition, providing opportunities for direct engagement with influential European tour operators, aviation partners, wholesalers, and potential investors. As tourism is a vital pillar of Fiji’s economy, contributing nearly 40 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, the event serves as an essential platform for expanding the industry’s reach.
Gavoka emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust presence at global tourism forums, especially as the industry adapts to challenges such as sustainability demands, digital transformation, and shifting traveler expectations. Europe remains a significant market for Fiji, accounting for 4.7 percent of total visitor arrivals in 2025, which included substantial numbers from Continental Europe and the United Kingdom.
His participation underscores the Fiji government’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity and promoting a high-value, low-impact tourism strategy, as detailed in Fiji’s National Sustainable Tourism Framework. Fiji is joining other Pacific Island destinations at the exhibition, collectively showcasing the role of tourism in bolstering economic resilience and facilitating climate adaptation for Small Island Developing States.
Additionally, Gavoka noted Fiji’s recent removal from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions concerning tax matters, a move that bolsters confidence in Fiji as a reliable destination for investment and travel.
On the sidelines of the expo, Fiji is also set to receive recognition for its excellence in tourism destination management and governance during a special event hosted by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association. This acknowledgment further enhances Fiji’s reputation as a standout destination in the global tourism landscape.
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