Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, along with Fijian Ambassador to Japan, Filimone Waqabaca, is representing Fiji at the Tourism Resilience Summit held in Sendai. This summit, co-hosted by the Japanese government and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has gathered tourism leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to focus on the recovery of the sector following the pandemic and to discuss sustainable practices and resilience against future global disruptions.
During his speech at the summit, Gavoka reaffirmed Fiji’s dedication to creating a resilient tourism sector that can withstand the challenges posed by natural disasters. He emphasized the importance of embracing past crises—including SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and COVID-19—as opportunities to emerge stronger. His remarks highlighted Fiji’s vision for rebuilding a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector.
Gavoka elaborated on various initiatives aimed at diversifying tourism experiences and improving disaster resilience, reflecting the pivotal role tourism plays in Fiji’s economy. He stressed the need for a “stronger and diverse economic base” through sustainable partnerships between the public and private sectors alongside forward-thinking policies.
The summit also featured a Ministerial Meeting, led by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo, and included insights from representatives of the Japan Tourism Agency, UNWTO, and Sendai’s Mayor. This meeting accentuated the necessity for proactive disaster preparedness and adaptive recovery strategies for the tourism industry.
Gavoka captured the spirit of the discussions 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.” This reflection underscores the optimism for the future, showcasing how Fiji aims to integrate adaptive strategies that balance growth with sustainability.
As one of Fiji’s economic foundations, the future of tourism relies on innovative approaches that not only drive economic advancement but also ensure environmental stewardship.
This focus on resilience and innovation positions Fiji to navigate challenges ahead while promoting a sustainable and thriving tourism sector.
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