Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, is leading Fiji’s representation at the Tourism Resilience Summit taking place in Sendai, Japan, alongside the Fijian Ambassador to Japan, Filimone Waqabaca. This important event is jointly organized by the Government of Japan and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and gathers tourism leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies for post-pandemic recovery, sustainability, and resilience in the face of ongoing global challenges.
During his address at the Summit, Gavoka emphasized Fiji’s unwavering commitment to fortifying its tourism sector against the vulnerabilities posed by natural disasters. He remarked on the nation’s ability to transform crises into chances for improvement, reflecting on past adversities such as SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and the fallout from COVID-19.
Gavoka directed attention to Fiji’s ambitious vision for rebirthing tourism with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. He highlighted initiatives aimed at diversifying tourism options and bolstering disaster resilience, acknowledging the sector’s vital contribution to Fiji’s economy. He referred to the nation’s strategy as a deliberate move towards establishing a “stronger and diverse economic base,” facilitated by sustainable public-private partnerships and forward-looking policy frameworks.
The Summit included a Ministerial Meeting, inaugurated by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo. The discussions featured inputs from various key figures, including the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner, UNWTO Executive Director, and the Mayor of Sendai. Key themes emerged from the meeting, focusing on proactive disaster preparedness, resilience-building initiatives, and adaptive recovery methods designed to mitigate future crises.
Participants underscored the necessity for collaborative approaches to effectively manage the impacts of natural hazards while stimulating innovation and transformation within the tourism sector. Gavoka reinforced this message, stating, “We’re using this recovery to build resilience, which includes developing policies and programs that support not only our present needs but also our future ambitions.”
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, and the sector’s evolution relies on adaptive strategies that foster both growth and sustainability, presenting a hopeful outlook for the future of tourism in the region.
In conclusion, the ongoing dialogue and initiatives observed at the Summit represent a concerted effort by nations to cultivate resilient and sustainable tourism practices, paving the way for stronger economies and enriched travel experiences in the wake of unprecedented challenges.
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