Fiji’s tourism industry is dedicated to rebuilding with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience, while also diversifying its tourism offerings and enhancing disaster resilience. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka discussed the unprecedented challenges faced by Fiji’s tourism sector over recent years, ranging from natural disasters to global pandemics, which have tested the strength of its communities and economy.
“Tourism is not just an industry; it is a lifeline for many of our people, communities, and businesses. Yet, as we’ve seen, it is also vulnerable,” Mr. Gavoka shared during the Tourism Resilience Summit held in Sendai, Japan, last Sunday. He pointed out the devastating impact of cyclones, particularly mentioning TC Winston as the worst natural disaster on record in the Southern Hemisphere.
In response to these challenges, Mr. Gavoka emphasized the necessity of viewing crises as opportunities to rebuild stronger systems. He noted that historical events such as SARS, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the tourism industry’s resilience and recovery potential. This recovery phase provides a chance to develop a more diverse and robust economic framework.
Collaboration is key, according to Mr. Gavoka, who underscored the importance of solid public-private partnerships. He hinted at the ongoing establishment of policies and programs aimed not only at immediate recovery but also at ensuring long-term guidance for the industry.
He also declared the significance of having a multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism in place. Fiji’s Tourism Response Team (TRT), comprised of representatives from various sectors including the Tourism Ministry and the national airline, is currently being formalized to enhance preemptive planning and clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of each agency involved.
Tourism constitutes nearly 40 percent of Fiji’s GDP, and despite the challenges, the sector has shown remarkable resilience. In 2023, the industry exceeded expectations with a record 929,740 visitors contributing a significant $3.3 billion to the economy.
This ongoing effort towards resilience in tourism not only promises a brighter future for Fiji’s economy but also reflects the global trend of sustainable tourism practices aimed at better protecting the environment and communities. Fostering strong collaborations and planning for future challenges positions Fiji to serve as a model for other island nations facing similar hurdles.
In summary, Fiji is taking bold strides to rebuild and evolve its tourism industry, ensuring it remains a vital component of the nation’s economy while prioritizing sustainability and preparedness for the future.
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