Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka, accompanied by Fijian Ambassador to Japan Filimone Waqabaca, is participating in the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai, Japan. This important event is jointly organized by the Japanese government and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), bringing together tourism leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies for post-pandemic recovery, sustainability, and resilience against global disruptions.
During the Summit, Minister Gavoka emphasized Fiji’s dedication to strengthening its tourism sector, especially considering its vulnerability to natural disasters. He stated, “We have used these crises as an opportunity to rebuild stronger,” referring to past challenges such as SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic that have tested Fiji’s tourism industry.
Gavoka’s speech outlined a vision for reconstructing the tourism sector with a strong focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. He highlighted initiatives to diversify tourism products and improve disaster preparedness, underscoring tourism’s vital role in Fiji’s economy.
The minister articulated Fiji’s strategy as a collaborative effort to develop a “stronger and diverse economic base” through sustainable partnerships and innovative policies. The Summit featured a Ministerial Meeting, where various leaders, including Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo, and officials from the UNWTO, underlined the importance of proactive disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
Leaders acknowledged the significance of teamwork in the tourism sector to withstand and recover from natural disasters while fostering innovation and adaptability. As Gavoka affirmed during his address, “We’re using this recovery to build resilience,” reinforcing the need for policies and programs that will benefit future generations.
The future of Fiji’s tourism sector lies in its ability to embrace adaptive strategies that support both growth and sustainability, making the outcomes of this Summit particularly promising for the nation.
This article underscores Fiji’s proactive approach to enhancing its tourism sector, creating a sense of hope for sustainable practices that could serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.
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