Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, announced that the country is on track to meet its tourist goal of one million visitors by the end of this year. During a workshop hosted by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation, Gavoka shared encouraging figures, stating that from January to August, Fiji welcomed approximately 640,724 tourists, marking a 7 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Gavoka emphasized that these numbers reflect Fiji’s resilience and appeal as a premier global destination. He pointed out the ambitious target of one million visitors by the end of 2024, noting that it comes with significant responsibilities.
The workshop focused on building climate resilience and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Gavoka highlighted the industry’s need for innovation in response to climate change threats and described the event as an opportunity to develop creative solutions and robust strategies.
Attended by representatives from various Pacific Island nations, including Tonga, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, the workshop aimed to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. Fiji is leading efforts to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge and Nature-Based Solutions into tourism strategies, ensuring environmental respect and cultural heritage preservation.
Key organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the US Department of Commerce, and the Pacific Tourism Organization emphasized the necessity of collaboration in safeguarding the islands and sustaining the tourism sector.
The workshop sought to enhance local capacity and cooperation for effective climate change adaptation in the Pacific, aiming to boost stakeholder awareness and engagement in creating sustainable tourism standards. This approach is designed to foster a resilient future while addressing the implications of climate change on tourism and local communities.
Tourism plays a vital role in Fiji’s economy, contributing around 40% to the GDP and supporting 119,000 jobs. The increase in visitor numbers presents an opportunity to enhance marketing and visitor experiences, ensuring that tourism benefits both the environment and the local population.
This event showcased Fiji’s leadership in promoting climate resilience and environmental stewardship through tourism, turning current challenges into opportunities and setting a global standard for sustainable tourism.
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