Fiji’s tourism industry is focused on rebuilding with an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister, Viliame Gavoka, highlighted the significant challenges faced by the sector in recent years, including natural disasters and global pandemics, which have tested the strength of communities and economies.
Gavoka addressed the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai, Japan, stating, “Tourism is not just an industry; it is a lifeline for many of our people, communities, and businesses. Yet, as we have seen, it is also vulnerable.” He referenced the devastating cyclones that have impacted the islands, particularly TC Winston, which was the worst natural disaster recorded in the Southern Hemisphere.
Reflecting on past crises such as SARS, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Gavoka noted that tourism has consistently demonstrated an ability to recover, and now is the time to strengthen that resilience by creating a more diverse economic foundation. He emphasized the importance of forging sustainable public-private partnerships and developing policies that will guide the sector well into the future.
Gavoka asserted the necessity of a coordinated approach among stakeholders, mentioning Fiji’s Tourism Response Team (TRT), comprising representatives from the Tourism Ministry, National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), hotel and transport associations, the national airline, airports, and utility companies. The goal is to formalize this team to enhance planning and communication among agencies, ensuring distribution of roles and responsibilities in preparation for potential crises.
Tourism is vital to Fiji’s economy, contributing nearly 40% to the GDP. The sector performed beyond expectations in 2023, welcoming a record 929,740 visitors who brought $3.3 billion to the economy.
Overall, Fiji’s approach to rebuilding its tourism industry presents a hopeful perspective as it not only aims for recovery but also seeks to establish a stronger and more resilient economic framework that benefits both the environment and communities. This proactive strategy could serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges in the tourism sector.
Leave a comment