Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, is representing Fiji at the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai, alongside the Fijian Ambassador to Japan, Filimone Waqabaca. This event, co-hosted by the Government of Japan and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has convened tourism leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss recovery efforts following the pandemic, as well as issues of sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector amidst global challenges.
During his speech at the Summit, Hon. Gavoka reaffirmed Fiji’s dedication to developing a robust tourism sector capable of withstanding natural disasters. He remarked that prior crises such as SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and COVID-19 have been addressed as opportunities to emerge stronger, enhancing the tourism industry’s resilience.
Gavoka’s discourse emphasized a vision for a tourism sector that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. He shared insights into the country’s strategic efforts to diversify tourism offerings and bolster disaster resilience, given the vital role tourism plays in Fiji’s economy. His approach advocates for establishing a “stronger and diverse economic base” through collaborative public-private partnerships and forward-thinking policies.
The Summit featured a Ministerial Meeting, opened by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo, including contributions from the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner, the UNWTO Executive Director, and the Mayor of Sendai. Key discussions centered on proactive disaster preparedness, resilience-building, and adaptive recovery strategies to mitigate the impacts of future crises.
Leaders at the summit recognized the importance of collaborative strategies that foster innovation and transformation within the tourism sector while addressing the challenges posed by natural hazards. Gavoka encapsulated this vision by stating, “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.”
As tourism remains a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, the sector’s prospects depend on adopting adaptive strategies that encourage both growth and sustainability.
This Summit is a hopeful step forward, demonstrating that nations can come together to share knowledge and create innovative solutions for a resilient future in tourism, ensuring that local economies are not only rebuilt but are also prepared for any challenges that lie ahead.
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