Fiji’s tourism industry is strongly focused on rebuilding with an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, highlighted the numerous challenges faced by the sector in recent years, including natural disasters and global pandemics, which have significantly impacted both communities and economies.
During his speech at the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai, Japan, Mr. Gavoka described tourism as a vital lifeline for many Fijians. He acknowledged the sector’s vulnerability, particularly in light of devastating events like Cyclone Winston, which stands as the worst natural disaster in the Southern Hemisphere’s history.
Gavoka expressed hope for the future, noting that past challenges such as SARS, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated tourism’s ability to recover. “We are using that recovery to build resilience,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of creating a diverse and stronger economic foundation for Fiji.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the need for sustainable public-private partnerships, along with policies and programs that guide the industry for years to come. He pointed out the critical role of a multistakeholder coordination mechanism, referencing Fiji’s Tourism Response Team (TRT), which involves collaboration among various tourism and transportation sectors, to enhance planning and response to crises.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, contributing nearly 40 percent to the nation’s GDP. In 2023, the industry surpassed its expectations, welcoming a record 929,740 visitors who generated $3.3 billion for the economy. This success serves as a beacon of hope for the future of Fiji’s tourism sector.
This commitment to rebuilding and diversifying tourism offerings is not only beneficial for Fiji’s economy but also sets an example for other nations facing similar challenges. With a focus on resilience and sustainability, Fiji is poised to create a more robust and inclusive tourism landscape for years to come.
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