Fiji is currently exploring agritourism through discussions on a gastronomy tourism strategy, spearheaded by Salaseini Daunabuna, the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation. During a three-day workshop in Nadi focused on Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism, Daunabuna noted the absence of a formal agritourism policy in the country, but emphasized the opportunity to develop one through collaborative efforts in the agriculture and tourism sectors.
The discussions revealed a significant gap in the connection between agricultural producers and tourism operators, highlighting the necessity for a cohesive strategy to bridge this divide. “What we found was that while we have those in the agriculture sector and the fisheries sector, the connection is not there for them to know what is needed in the tourism sector,” explained Daunabuna. She outlined a roadmap for the coming years that includes consolidating resources and establishing milestones to foster collaboration between the two sectors.
The workshop’s focus aligns with Fiji’s ongoing initiatives, such as the Farm to Fork program, which aims to integrate locally sourced products into the tourism framework. This initiative, previously discussed by Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, targets reducing economic leakage—money that leaves the Fijian economy due to food imports—by encouraging the use of local produce for tourism offerings. Notably, this approach is intended not only to enhance local food sourcing but also to offer tourists authentic Fijian culinary experiences, reinforcing the cultural identity of the region.
Daunabuna also mentioned the necessity of a digital platform to track the progress of various stakeholders and ensure their actions meet the collective goals of the agritourism and tourism sectors. Such initiatives show an understanding of the critical role that gastronomy plays in sustainable tourism and highlight a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s tourism industry, with potential benefits for both the economy and local communities.
The discussions signify a proactive step towards uniting agricultural and tourism efforts in Fiji, thereby promoting sustainability and potentially increasing both sectors’ contributions to the economy. By leveraging local resources and fostering cooperation, there’s a promising path ahead for the development of a thriving, interconnected agritourism strategy in the vibrant cultural backdrop of Fiji.
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