Fiji’s tourism sector faces a significant risk due to the potential loss of skilled workers, according to Viliame Gavoka, the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation. Speaking at the Fiji Tourism Convention 2024 in Nadi, Gavoka expressed his satisfaction with contributions from industry players like Marriott International and Fiji Airways, which have established training academies in Fiji to help retain talent.
He acknowledged the crucial role of educational institutions like Fiji National University, Polytech, and ServicePro in partnering with the government to provide access to necessary training and education. “For tourism, it is not only about stemming the brain drain but also about ensuring we can quickly fill gaps,” he stated.
As part of government initiatives, a growth reset committee that includes private sector representatives is actively working to address immigration challenges. Gavoka announced that the permit processes have been automated through the Immi Hub, leading to improvements in visa and permit applications.
He also noted the launch of the Start a Business Subsystem (SABs) by Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica today. This initiative is part of the BusinessNOW Fiji Project, aimed at integrating over 16 government agencies into a single digital platform to enhance the business environment.
The Fiji Tourism Convention 2024 is set to conclude today, coinciding with the celebrations of World Tourism Day.