Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, emphasized the need for critical reforms in Fiji’s tourism sector during his address at the Third Fiji Tourism Convention held in Nadi. While he acknowledged the ongoing growth of tourism, Gavoka pointed out that progress in implementing necessary reforms has not kept pace, particularly affecting small and emerging tourism businesses.
Gavoka highlighted the barriers that these businesses face, noting that urgent action is needed to address these challenges. He clarified that recognizing these issues does not reflect weakness but rather a commitment to improving the industry and benefiting the nation as a whole.
“Some communities are still waiting to fully benefit from tourism, and many entrepreneurs face hurdles that we must work harder to remove,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s responsibility towards the sector.
The Deputy Prime Minister urged industry leaders to leverage the convention to voice their concerns, share valuable insights, and collaborate on reforms aimed at building resilience and expanding opportunities for all Fijians. He stressed the importance of not just discussing the issues but translating insights into actionable strategies that will enhance the industry and its benefits for the wider community.
The dialogue among stakeholders will continue as they address key issues today, aiming to foster a more inclusive and robust tourism sector that supports all Fijians. This collaborative effort is a hopeful step towards ensuring that everyone can partake in the benefits that tourism has to offer.
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