Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, has underscored the impressive growth of Fiji’s tourism sector while highlighting the need for crucial reforms that are currently lagging. During his address at the Third Fiji Tourism Convention in Nadi, Gavoka expressed that while there have been advancements, many areas of development have yet to meet expectations.
He specifically noted that small and emerging tourism businesses are facing significant challenges that require urgent attention. Gavoka reinforced that recognizing these obstacles should not be perceived as a sign of inadequacy, but rather as a commitment to both the tourism industry and the Fijian people.
“Certain communities are still waiting to reap the full benefits of tourism, and many entrepreneurs encounter barriers that we must diligently work to eliminate,” he stated. He urged industry leaders to leverage the convention as a platform to voice concerns, share valuable insights, and advocate for reforms aimed at enhancing resilience and creating wider opportunities for all Fijians.
“Discussion alone does not suffice. What’s essential is translating the insights gained here into actionable steps that strengthen the sector and expand its benefits,” Gavoka emphasized. The convention continues to serve as a forum for key stakeholders to deliberate on pressing issues impacting the industry, highlighting the necessity of collaboration in advancing tourism in Fiji.
The engagement at the convention offers a promising opportunity to foster a more inclusive tourism environment, ensuring that all communities can partake in and benefit from the prosperity that tourism brings. By addressing these challenges collectively, there is a hopeful prospect for a more equitable distribution of opportunities within Fiji’s vibrant tourism landscape.