Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka has reaffirmed Fiji’s dedication to enhancing the resilience of its tourism sector, particularly in the face of natural disasters. Speaking at the recent Tourism Resilience Summit, Gavoka urged participants to work together and innovate in tackling challenges posed by natural disasters, pandemics, and other disruptions to the travel industry.
He highlighted that historical events, such as the SARS outbreak, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have demonstrated the tourism sector’s remarkable ability to recover and rebuild stronger than before. Gavoka stressed the importance of using the ongoing recovery period to not only rebuild but to focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience within the tourism framework. This includes diversifying tourism offerings and enhancing disaster preparedness.
“We’re leveraging our recovery phase to establish a more robust and diverse economic foundation,” he noted, emphasizing the significance of fostering sustainable public-private partnerships. Gavoka also pointed out that it is essential to create policies and programs that guide Fiji not just in the present but also for the future.
The meeting underlined the necessity of advance preparation to mitigate the consequences of crises and disasters stemming from natural calamities. It was recognized that it is equally important to absorb and adapt to the impacts of such challenges to improve readiness for future threats.
In a related note, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Fiji, Filimone Waqabaca, accompanied Gavoka on his visit to Japan.
This commitment to resilience in tourism can have far-reaching effects, not only for Fiji’s economy but also for enhancing the experience of visitors. As Fiji continues to build a more robust tourism sector, it sets a positive example for other nations vulnerable to similar challenges, showcasing that proactive measures can lead to sustainable recovery and growth.
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