Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka has underscored Fiji’s dedication to enhancing the resilience of its tourism sector in light of the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters. Addressing attendees at the Tourism Resilience Summit, he urged stakeholders to work together and innovate in the face of natural calamities, pandemics, and other disruptions.
Gavoka emphasized that crises present opportunities for rebuilding stronger foundations. Reflecting on historical events such as SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted that tourism has consistently demonstrated its capacity to rebound. He reiterated that Fiji’s tourism industry, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy, is focused on recovery strategies that prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. There will be increased efforts to diversify tourism offerings and bolster disaster readiness.
“We’re utilizing this recovery phase to cultivate resilience,” said Gavoka. “We aim to establish a stronger, more varied economic base and develop sustainable partnerships between public and private sectors. Our goal is to craft policies and initiatives that guide us not just in the present, but also into the future.”
The Ministerial Meeting highlighted the critical need for advance preparation to mitigate the impacts of natural hazard-related crises and disasters. Participants acknowledged the necessity of developing strategies to absorb the effects of such events as well as to adapt and transform for better readiness against future challenges.
Accompanying the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism to Japan is Filimone Waqabaca, Fiji’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
In a positive light, Fiji’s focus on resilience represents a proactive approach to tourism recovery. By integrating sustainability and inclusivity into their strategies, Fiji is not only preparing for future challenges but also creating a tourism sector that can thrive in a changing environment. This commitment illustrates a hopeful direction for the nation as it seeks to safeguard its economic future while embracing innovation.
Overall, Fiji’s commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities can inspire other nations facing similar vulnerabilities.
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