Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to strengthening its tourism sector to better withstand the effects of natural disasters. During the Tourism Resilience Summit, Gavoka emphasized the need for collaboration and innovation in addressing challenges posed by natural disasters, pandemics, and other disruptions.
He noted that past crises, including SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the tourism sector’s resilience and ability to recover. “We have used these crises as an opportunity to rebuild stronger,” he stated.
Fiji’s tourism sector, vital to the nation’s economy, aims to rebuild with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience, with plans to diversify tourism offerings and enhance disaster preparedness. Gavoka articulated the importance of using the current recovery phase to establish a more robust and diverse economic foundation. He highlighted the role of sustainable public-private partnerships and the necessity of developing long-term policies and programs to guide future growth.
The summit also stressed the critical nature of advanced preparation to mitigate the effects of crises and natural hazards. Furthermore, it acknowledged that absorbing and adapting to the impacts of these disasters is essential for future readiness.
This proactive approach signifies a hopeful future for Fiji’s tourism sector, demonstrating a commitment to creating a resilient and sustainable framework that can thrive despite potential challenges.
In summary, Fiji is taking significant steps to enhance its tourism sector’s robustness against natural disasters through sustainable practices, collaboration, and forward-thinking policies, aiming to emerge stronger from past crises.
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