Bula Vinaka!
This has been a challenging year for the global tourism industry. We’ve seen and experienced first-hand just how important travel and tourism is in driving socio-economic development.
As a Small Island Developing State, Fiji and the Pacific, has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic relatively in terms of economic size and impacts. This year’s theme, Year of Tourism and Rural Development is therefore opportune.
Rural communities are most affected by the pandemic. This is where we diversify our economic base by focusing on new opportunities.
Promoting equal opportunities, access to basic services and building resilient communities is a key national priority, enshrined in Fiji’s 5-Year and 20-Year National Development Plan. Supporting grassroot communities through business training, mentoring, advisory, incubation services and access to finance therefore remains paramount to the Fijian Government so no Fijian is left behind.
With the closure of international borders and a majority of the hotels in urban ‘tourist hot-spots’ operating near bear minimum occupancy – we’ve seen a shift in business models. We’re seeing the industry work towards strengthening the domestic tourism value chain. We’re seeing a rise in entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Fijian Government is committed that tourism remains a pillar for economic diversification, and a key employment driver with multiplier effects on other sectors. And we must do so by implementing across-the-board strategies to bridge the development gap between the rural and urban areas.
As we mark the 40th Anniversary of World Tourism Day, I ask that we pay special attention to harnessing the power of rural tourism and its contribution to building a sustainable and resilience economy.
With these words I would like to wish everyone a happy World Tourism Day!
Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.