Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, is currently attending the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai, Japan, alongside Fijian Ambassador to Japan, Filimone Waqabaca. This important event, co-hosted by the Government of Japan and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), gathers tourism leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to tackle issues surrounding post-pandemic recovery, sustainability, and the overall resilience of the tourism sector amid global challenges.
In his speech, Hon. Gavoka emphasized Fiji’s dedication to bolstering a resilient tourism industry, especially considering the nation’s exposure to natural disasters. He pointed out that Fiji has turned past crises into opportunities for strengthening its tourism sector. Notable challenges such as the SARS outbreak, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic have informed Fiji’s approach moving forward.
Gavoka detailed the nation’s strategy for revamping tourism with a focus on sustainable practices, inclusivity, and building resilience. He acknowledged the vital contribution of tourism to Fiji’s economy and outlined plans aimed at diversifying tourism offerings and enhancing the sector’s ability to withstand disasters. By fostering sustainable public-private partnerships and implementing forward-thinking policies, Fiji is working towards establishing a more robust and varied economic foundation.
The Summit featured a Ministerial Meeting led by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo, along with insights from the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner, UNWTO Executive Director, and Sendai’s Mayor. The discussions underscored the urgent need for proactive measures in disaster preparedness and recovery strategies, promoting collaboration to effectively counter the effects of natural hazards and encourage innovation within the tourism realm.
Gavoka affirmed the importance of this recovery phase for building resilience, stating, “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 foundational element of Fiji’s economy, the path ahead relies on strategies that ensure both growth and sustainability.
This summit signifies a collective movement toward addressing significant challenges in the tourism industry and showcases Fiji’s commitment to leading by example in resilience and adaptability.
In summary, the participation of Fiji’s leaders at the Tourism Resilience Summit reflects a proactive stance on enhancing tourism sustainability and resilience, reaffirming the nation’s resolve to rebuild and innovate for a more secure economic future.
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