Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, is actively representing Fiji at the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai, Japan, alongside the Fijian Ambassador to Japan, Filimone Waqabaca. This important event is co-hosted by the Government of Japan and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), gathering tourism leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss vital topics such as post-pandemic recovery, sustainability, and resilience in the face of global challenges.
During his speech at the summit, Hon. Gavoka emphasized Fiji’s dedication to establishing a robust tourism sector, especially in light of its susceptibility to natural disasters. He reflected on how past crises, including SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, were used as opportunities for strengthening resilience within the tourism industry.
Gavoka’s address reiterated Fiji’s vision to revitalize its tourism sector through a lens of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. He discussed ongoing efforts to diversify tourism offerings and bolster disaster resilience, acknowledging the significant role tourism plays in Fiji’s economy. The minister portrayed a strategic plan focused on creating a “stronger and diverse economic base” via sustainable public-private partnerships and forward-thinking policies.
The summit featured a Ministerial Meeting, officially opened by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo, along with insights from various tourism leaders, including the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner, the UNWTO Executive Director, and the Mayor of Sendai. This forum highlighted the crucial need for proactive disaster preparedness, resilience-building measures, and adaptive recovery strategies to navigate future crises effectively.
Leaders at the summit came to a consensus on the importance of collaborative strategies designed to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters while encouraging innovation and transformation within the tourism sector. As Gavoka articulated, “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 vital element of Fiji’s economic framework, the future of the sector hinges on adaptive strategies that integrate growth with sustainable practices. This proactive stance not only aims to fortify the industry against future challenges but also paints a hopeful picture of resilience and innovation for Fiji’s tourism sector.
In summary, the commitment demonstrated by Fiji’s leadership to build a resilient and sustainable tourism sector amid ongoing challenges showcases a forward-looking approach that promises to enhance both the economy and the environment for future generations.
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