Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, has highlighted the ongoing growth in Fiji’s tourism sector, while noting that essential reforms are lagging behind. Speaking at the Third Fiji Tourism Convention held in Nadi, Gavoka remarked that progress in certain areas has not met expectations.
He pointed out that small and emerging tourism businesses are encountering obstacles that must be urgently addressed. Gavoka emphasized that these acknowledgments should not be viewed as signs of weakness but rather as an acknowledgment of responsibility to both the industry and the nation.
“Some communities are still waiting to fully benefit from tourism, and many entrepreneurs face hurdles that we must work harder to remove,” he stated. Gavoka encouraged industry leaders to utilize the convention as a platform to voice their concerns, share insights, and implement reforms that will enhance resilience and create broader opportunities for all Fijians.
“Discussion alone is not enough. What matters is how insights gained here, and the interaction that strengthens the sector and broadens its benefits,” he added. The convention continues with stakeholders discussing key issues affecting the industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in propelling tourism forward in Fiji.
This engagement at the convention presents a hopeful avenue for fostering a more inclusive tourism environment where all communities can share in its prosperity.