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Illustration of Gavoka advocates resilient and sustainable tourism at Japan Summit

Fiji’s Vision for Resilient Tourism Takes Center Stage in Japan

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, is attending the Tourism Resilience Summit in Sendai, Japan, alongside Fijian Ambassador to Japan, Filimone Waqabaca. The event, jointly organized by the Government of Japan and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), focuses on strategies for post-pandemic recovery, sustainability, and resilience within the tourism sector in the Asia-Pacific region.

During his speech, Gavoka emphasized Fiji’s determination to strengthen its tourism industry despite its exposure to natural disasters. He reflected on the nation’s ability to emerge stronger from past challenges, including the SARS outbreak, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gavoka articulated Fiji’s vision of rebuilding its tourism sector with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. He detailed initiatives aimed at diversifying tourism offerings and improving disaster resilience, acknowledging the essential contribution of tourism to Fiji’s economy. His approach encompasses the development of a “stronger and diverse economic base” through sustainable partnerships and innovative policies.

The Summit also featured a Ministerial Meeting, officially opened by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Saito Tetsuo. Discussions included the necessity of proactive disaster preparedness, the importance of building resilience, and adaptive recovery strategies to navigate future challenges.

Participants recognized the need for collaborative approaches to not only recover from the detrimental impacts of natural disasters but also to foster innovation within the tourism industry. Gavoka affirmed that the current recovery period is an opportunity to build lasting resilience, stating, “This also means creating policies and programs that not only guide us today but will serve us in the years to come.”

Given that tourism is a fundamental pillar of Fiji’s economy, the emphasis on adaptive and sustainable strategies is promising for the sector’s future. This proactive approach positions Fiji to not only recover from past setbacks but to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

In summary, Fiji’s presence at the Tourism Resilience Summit demonstrates its commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector, ensuring that it not only recovers from recent challenges but also emerges stronger than before, ready to face future uncertainties.


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