Representatives of the Society of Fiji Travel Associates,
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association,
Tourism Fiji,
Pacific Tourism Organisation,
Industry Stakeholders,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning.
On behalf of the Ministry, please allow me to welcome you all to today’s workshop.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The last two years have taught us a lot. We have learnt that as an industry, tourism is highly vulnerable. We have learnt that one of the best ways to survive is by building resilience.
Most importantly, we have learnt to care more. Whether it’s care for our employees, care for the environment that continues to provide, or care for the people we serve as businesses.
When our borders were shut, we developed a greater appreciation of the importance of care for our staff and guests as businesses because it had a direct bearing on our reputation as a tourism destination and its long-term viability.
We managed to lead tourism re-opening because we were guided by protocols such as the Care Fiji Commitment.
This is one of the reasons why we are here this morning — to advance our commitment to our guests, to the industry and to each other.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, our recovery is strong – much more than we expected. Our January to July visitor numbers are showing 56.4% recovery of 2019 levels. July being the highest month showing over 80% recovery compared to July 2019.
As the global tourism industry evolves – so do visitor expectations. Therefore, as industry players, you have a vested interest in adopting exemplary practices that add to Fiji brand proposition.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As our recovery takes shape, we have renewed enthusiasm in setting ourselves higher standards of fairness and honesty.
Like associations and businesses, even the public sector, are bound by some form of code of ethics, we want to extend the same to the industry.
We acknowledge that as individual businesses, you are guided by your own policies, or that of your parent brand or associations. So the idea is to bring these common principles together to commit to an industry-wide code of conduct that promotes responsible tourism. And that means — acting more responsibly and acting as one.
We need to ensure that the Fijian tourism industry is guided by international standards of safe tourism practices. Why – because being competitive is no longer only about cheaper prices. To be competitive also means offering ethical services.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With that in mind, the Ministry embarked on the Fijian Code of Conduct for Tourism Operators. The Code of Conduct echoes the need for tourism service providers to promote sustainable tourism practices that are positive for communities and respect the rights of individuals – specifically the vulnerable.
It has been adopted from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the UNWTO International Code for the Protection of Tourists.
Like other countries, Fiji, as a UNWTO member has been encouraged to adopt internationally recognised standards and best practices aligning to the overall Sustainable Development Goals.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fijian Code of Conduct is a reassurance by the industry in everyday dealings. It looks at your role in interaction such as:
- making all reasonable efforts to protect staff and visitors during emergencies
- maintaining honesty, integrity and professionalism in how you sell your product
- providing visitors with objective and honest information and dealing in good-faith
- ensuring cultural and village protocols are observed in interactions with host communities
- being conscious of impacts on the environment
While this Code will not address every issue of conduct or ethics, in many cases, its principles guide us to a resolve.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In developing the Fijian Code of Conduct for Tourism Service Providers, the Fijian Government is mindful of the need for partnership.
The Ministry believes in your collective experience over the years and the willingness to maintain the highest standards possible.
Frameworks such as Codes of Conduct are not effective when left just on paper. They need to drive a change in behavior. We want to see everyone, including tourism operators and communities taking ownership and responsibility of this Guideline.
I believe you may have gone through the document and you have specific questions, and suggestions and we encourage you all to provide your feedback in today’s session.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Colleagues,
Our desire to strive for excellence, means we set a high standard for ourselves and the everyone involved.
Today’s workshop to progress the Fijian Code of Conduct for Tourism Service Providers will continue to add value to the sector, in our efforts in adopting exemplary practices that will add to the Fijian brand.
With those few words, I wish you well in today’s discussions.
Vinaka Vakalevu, Thank you!
