Fiji’s tourism sector is dedicated to rebuilding with a strong focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience, particularly through diversifying its tourism offerings and enhancing disaster preparedness. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka highlighted the formidable challenges faced by Fiji’s tourism industry in recent years, ranging from natural disasters to global pandemics, which have tested the stability of both communities and the economy.
Gavoka remarked that tourism represents more than just an industry; it is essential for the livelihoods of many Fijians and a cornerstone for communities and businesses. He pointed to the severe impact of cyclones, including TC Winston, which stands as the most devastating natural disaster ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere.
Despite these setbacks, Gavoka emphasized the resilience demonstrated by the tourism sector, noting that crises have been transformed into opportunities for renewal. He referred to past events, such as the SARS outbreak, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have all shown the sector’s ability to recover. This time, the focus is on building a stronger and more diverse economic foundation.
The Deputy Prime Minister also underlined the importance of creating sustainable partnerships between public and private sectors, along with developing forward-thinking policies that guide both current and future initiatives. He stressed the critical role of having a multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism and mentioned the establishment of Fiji’s Tourism Response Team (TRT), which includes various stakeholders from the tourism industry.
The TRT, which is currently being formalized, aims to ensure better planning and clear communication of roles and responsibilities, allowing for proactive measures rather than just reactive responses during crises.
Fiji’s tourism industry has shown impressive resilience, contributing nearly 40 percent of the country’s GDP. In 2023, the sector surpassed expectations, welcoming a record 929,740 visitors and generating $3.3 billion for the visitor economy.
This commitment to sustainable tourism practices signifies a hopeful path forward for Fiji, aiming to not only recover but also thrive in a resilient environment that can withstand future challenges. By prioritizing these aspects, Fiji is working towards a tourism model that benefits its people and ensures the health of its economy.
In summary, Fiji’s tourism sector is taking significant steps to build resilience through sustainable practices, ensuring long-term growth and stability while addressing the impacts of past adversities.
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