Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, along with the Fijian Ambassador to Japan, Filimone Waqabaca, is attending the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai, Japan. This event is a collaborative effort between the Japanese government and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), bringing together tourism leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies for recovering from the pandemic, promoting sustainability, and enhancing resilience against global challenges.
During his speech, Gavoka emphasized Fiji’s dedication to fostering a resilient tourism sector, particularly in light of the country’s exposure to natural disasters. He referenced past adversities, such as SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, describing how Fiji has transformed these crises into opportunities for stronger development.
Gavoka outlined his vision for a sustainable and inclusive tourism sector that diversifies offerings and strengthens disaster resilience, as tourism plays a vital role in Fiji’s economy. His approach focuses on forming sustainable public-private partnerships and implementing progressive policies to create a more robust and diversified economic foundation.
The Summit’s Ministerial Meeting, which was inaugurated by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo, featured contributions from various tourism authorities, emphasizing the critical need for proactive disaster preparedness and innovative recovery strategies.
Gavoka articulated a forward-thinking philosophy, stating, “We’re using this recovery to build resilience,” underlining the importance of establishing policies that will serve Fiji’s tourism goals in the future. With tourism as a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, the sector’s ongoing success will depend on adaptive strategies that harmonize growth with sustainability.
The event highlights a hopeful future for the tourism sector, focusing on resilience and innovation to navigate any potential challenges ahead. Collaborative efforts on an international scale demonstrate a commitment to a sustainable travel industry that benefits not only nations but also communities and the environment at large.
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