Fiji is making strides in the global tourism industry as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, along with the Fijian Ambassador to Japan, Filimone Waqabaca, represent the country at the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai. This significant event is co-hosted by the Japanese government and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and it aims to tackle issues related to post-pandemic recovery, sustainability, and resilience in the tourism sector across the Asia-Pacific region.
During his address at the Summit, Hon. Gavoka reaffirmed Fiji’s dedication to strengthening its tourism sector, particularly in light of the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters. He expressed optimism, stating that challenging times such as the SARS outbreak, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic have provided valuable lessons that can be leveraged to rebuild a more resilient industry.
Gavoka emphasized that the focus would be on sustainability, inclusivity, and diversifying tourism offerings. He recognized that tourism is vital to Fiji’s economy and outlined steps to bolster the sector’s resilience against future crises through sustainable public-private partnerships and progressive policies.
The event also featured a Ministerial Meeting, which was inaugurated by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo, along with contributions from notable figures, including the UNWTO Executive Director and Sendai’s Mayor. The discussions stressed the importance of proactive disaster preparedness and recovery strategies to navigate the impacts of natural hazards while fostering innovation within the tourism industry.
In a hopeful outlook, Gavoka remarked, “We’re using this recovery to build resilience,” emphasizing that the policies and programs being developed today are intended to guide and support the industry for years to come. With tourism being a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, the country’s commitment to adaptive strategies is a determined step towards ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.
This summit represents not only an opportunity for Fiji to showcase its resilience and commitment but also a hopeful platform for collaborative strategies aimed at enhancing the tourism landscape in a rapidly changing world.
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