Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka has emphasized Fiji’s dedication to developing a robust tourism sector that can withstand the impacts of natural disasters. During the recent Tourism Resilience Summit, he urged attendees to foster collaboration and innovation in response to challenges such as natural calamities, pandemics, and other disruptions.
Gavoka remarked that Fiji’s past challenges, including those posed by the SARS outbreak, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have provided valuable lessons. These events have demonstrated tourism’s remarkable ability to rebound, a testament to the sector’s resilience. He stated, “We have used these crises as an opportunity to rebuild stronger.”
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that tourism is a vital component of Fiji’s economy. His vision includes a recovery strategy that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience, focusing on diversifying tourism offerings while enhancing disaster preparedness.
He further explained that the recovery process is an opportunity to create a more diverse economic landscape and to cultivate sustainable partnerships between the public and private sectors. This approach entails developing policies and programs that will not only benefit the present but also ensure long-term stability for the years ahead.
Moreover, the Ministerial Meeting underscored the critical importance of proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of crises associated with natural hazards. At the same time, it was recognized that adapting to and recovering from such events is essential for preparing for future threats.
Accompanying Gavoka at the summit was Filimone Waqabaca, Fiji’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, further showcasing the nation’s commitment on an international stage.
This commitment to resilience and sustainability bodes well for the future of Fiji’s tourism industry. By embracing innovation and collaboration, Fiji is poised to evolve and thrive, even in the face of adversity.
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