Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, along with the Fijian Ambassador to Japan, Filimone Waqabaca, are currently representing Fiji at the Tourism Resilience Summit taking place in Sendai. This important event is co-hosted by the Government of Japan and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and gathers tourism leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. The focus of the summit is on post-pandemic recovery, sustainability, and enhancing resilience in the tourism sector amid ongoing global challenges.
In his speech at the summit, Hon. Gavoka reaffirmed Fiji’s dedication to strengthening its tourism sector, which is inherently vulnerable to natural disasters. He stated, “We have used these crises as an opportunity to rebuild stronger,” pointing out how the tourism industry has historically navigated through major challenges like SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gavoka emphasized a vision for Fiji’s tourism recovery that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. He discussed ongoing efforts to diversify Fiji’s tourism offerings while also improving disaster resilience, acknowledging the vital role that tourism plays in the nation’s economy. His remarks reflected a strategic push to foster a “stronger and diverse economic base” through sustainable public-private partnerships and progressive policies.
The summit featured a Ministerial Meeting, which was officially commenced by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo. Contributions came from various leaders, including the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner, UNWTO Executive Director, and Sendai’s Mayor. The meeting highlighted the imperative of proactive disaster readiness, resilient systems, and recovery strategies to effectively tackle future crises.
Participants agreed on the necessity of collaborative strategies designed to enhance the industry’s ability to respond to and recover from natural hazards while fostering innovation and transformation.
As Gavoka expressed, “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.” With tourism being a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, the sector’s future relies on adaptive strategies that nurture both growth and sustainability.
Comments: This summit serves as a promising step toward a more resilient tourism industry in Fiji, showcasing proactive leadership amid challenging times. The collaborative insights garnered from global industry leaders can profoundly shape sustainable tourism practices, establishing a progressive model for recovery that could inspire other nations facing similar vulnerabilities.
Summary: Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Viliame Gavoka, is advocating for a sustainable and resilient tourism sector at the Tourism Resilience Summit in Japan, focusing on recovery strategies and disaster preparedness. The summit highlights the importance of transforming the tourism industry in response to global disruptions, and Gavoka aims to build a stronger economic base through inclusive, sustainable practices.
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