Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, is currently representing Fiji at the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai, Japan. This event, co-hosted by the Japanese Government and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has convened tourism leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss aspects of post-pandemic recovery, sustainability, and resilience amidst global disruptions.
In his speech at the Summit, Hon. Gavoka emphasized Fiji’s dedication to nurturing a robust tourism sector, particularly in light of its susceptibility to natural disasters. He remarked, “We have used these crises as an opportunity to rebuild stronger,” drawing on Fiji’s experiences through various historical adversities, such as SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gavoka articulated Fiji’s strategy for revitalizing its tourism industry, focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. He detailed efforts aimed at diversifying tourism offerings while enhancing disaster preparedness, recognizing the sector’s vital importance to Fiji’s economy. The Minister introduced a vision centered on forming a “stronger and diverse economic base” through collaborative public-private initiatives and progressive policy-making.
The Summit also featured a Ministerial Meeting, inaugurated by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo. During the meeting, speakers from the Japan Tourism Agency, UNWTO, and the Mayor of Sendai highlighted the necessity for proactive disaster preparations and adaptive recovery methods to combat future crises.
Participants acknowledged the vital role of cooperative strategies in absorbing and recovering from the effects of natural hazards while encouraging innovation within the tourism sector. Gavoka remarked, “We’re using this recovery to build resilience,” emphasizing that current policies and programs should not only address today’s challenges but also lay a foundational framework for the future.
With tourism being a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, the sector’s trajectory relies heavily on adaptive strategies that foster both growth and sustainability.
This Summit presents a valuable opportunity for Fiji to emerge stronger and more resilient in the tourism sector, setting a positive precedent for similar initiatives worldwide. The focus on sustainability and inclusivity is particularly encouraging as it aligns with global trends towards responsible tourism.
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