New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji;
Members of the Diplomatic Corp;
Senior Government Officials;
Invited Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Bula vinaka and a very good evening to you all.
It gives me great pleasure to launch the state-of-the-art astro turf field today.
Sports Tourism is a growing niche market for Fiji, which contributes significantly to the social, cultural, economic and infrastructural development of the country. It is regarded as a high-value market given its potential to increase visitor numbers and spend, especially during off-peak season.
It not only results in increased visitor arrivals and spending, but also promotes the development of local infrastructure, hotels, transportation networks, roads, telecommunication, airports and other related infrastructure.
Today’s launch of the astro-turf is an indication of an investment which will, in the long term, derive benefits not only for Uprising and the Adventure Capital of Fiji, but the Fijian economy.
One of the priorities of the Fijian Government, as far as the 5-Year and 20-Year National Development Plan is concerned, is providing new sporting facilities to international standards that promote Sports Tourism by way of hosting International Sports Events.
The Fijian Government’s vision, as highlighted in our Fijian Tourism (FT 2021) or the industry plan, is to grow the tourism industry to a $2.2 billion industry by 2021. With tourism earnings currently at $1.9 billion in 2017, we are well on track to achieve this target.
In fact, Sports Tourism is an ideal way to also encourage return visits when these sportsmen, fans and spectators return to take a holiday.
Research also shows that Sports Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors. More visitors are interested in sports related activities during their trips, irrespective of whether sports is the main reason for travel. Sports and adventure tourists are known to spend more than the average leisure tourists.
In line with these initiatives, the Fijian Government, through Tourism Fiji, has established the Events Development Fund (EDF) to support events including sporting events.
Since Fiji’s Olympic gold medal win in 2016, Fiji popularity as a 7s rugby nation has increased. The Uprising Resort has also gained popularity for its sporting facilities (as the training camp for the gold winning rugby 7s team) and its adventure activities. It is also actively involved in events coordinating its Coral Coast Sevens and music festival.
The Uprising Resort is the only property in Fiji that provides both accommodation and exclusive training facilities for sporting teams, particularly rugby. This provides teams with the option of using the resort as a training “camp” in preparation for major tournaments or events or as a retreat.
The Fijian Government encourages and promotes sports to all Fijians, irrespective of age, gender and ability. Promoting women’s participation in sports and recreational activities is another focus area.
This was brilliantly depicted by our Fijian Sevens heros when they lifted the little girl carrying the final match ball at Hamilton Sevens. The Fijian Sevens Coach, Gareth Baber very nicely put this into perspective and I quote “Humility is a big part of our values, we talk as a team and anyone is part of our family. A ball girl coming in there is much as likely to be on the rugby field as anybody else”
Promotion of Fiji as an ideal destination for international sporting events is bolstered by investments in such important facilities. We encourage tourism operators to follow suit and consider diversifying their tourism products.
It is important that good facilities are available to our sportsmen and women. So, new facilities, such as the astro turf, will increase the competitiveness of our athletes to international standards.
I would also like to acknowledge Sports Worx and ACT Global Companies, who are currently installing the all-weather astro turf field, for the great initiative in boosting sports tourism here in Fiji.
With those words, it gives me great pleasure to now officially launch Fiji’s first ever astro turf field.
Thank you, Vinaka Vakalevu and have an enjoyable evening to you all.