Fiji has reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable tourism development in the Pacific by transferring the chairmanship of the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) Council of Ministers to Tonga during a recent regional meeting held in Vava’u. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, underscored that this leadership change highlights a collective commitment to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism industry across the Pacific region.
Gavoka asserted that tourism is crucial to Fiji’s economy and plays a significant role in connecting diverse cultures while fostering solidarity and creating opportunities throughout the region. Under Fiji’s leadership, vital discussions culminated in the approval of the SPTO Strategic Plan for 2025–2029, designed to enhance sustainable tourism practices.
“The Pacific geography demands reliable, affordable, and sustainable air services. Without aviation, tourism cannot grow. Without tourism, aviation cannot thrive,” he pointed out, emphasizing the interconnectedness of air travel and tourism growth.
Fiji has also been a strong proponent of the Pacific Tourism and Aviation Strategy for 2026–2030, which is supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This strategy underscores the integral relationship between tourism and reliable air services. Furthermore, Gavoka welcomed New Zealand’s initiative to launch a digital tourism benchmarking dashboard. This tool is expected to help Pacific nations make data-informed decisions, thereby ensuring that tourism benefits both local communities and the environment.
In alignment with regional frameworks, Fiji is focusing on training, sustainability, and innovation by collaborating with institutions like the Fiji National University and the Pacific Tourism Research Institute. Reflecting on his tenure as chair, Gavoka highlighted the success of the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2024, which connected 61 international buyers with 79 Pacific sellers. This event, the first of its kind in over a decade, signifies renewed investor confidence in the region.
Fiji’s initiatives in the tourism sector emphasize an optimistic future, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable practices. With these recent developments, Fiji is committed to ensuring that its tourism industry not only thrives economically but also enhances the cultural and environmental integrity of the Pacific islands for generations to come.