Hon. Ministers,
Secretary-General of the UNWTO,
Madam Chair and Co-Chair of the CAP CSA Joint Commission,
Excellences and representatives of the Diplomatic Core,
Representatives of CAP CSA member countries.
Industry Partners,
Sponsors,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Bula Vinaka and a very good evening to you all.
Hope you all are enjoying yourselves tonight. Tonight’s function is for you all to relax and wind down after two days of meetings.
The two days have been very constructive and we have had effective outcomes for the consideration by all member states.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Tonight, we want you all to enjoy the Fijian hospitality that we are renowned for and the blend of our unique cultures. Earlier you saw the Beating Retreat and I hope you enjoyed it. This is something that is unique to Fiji and we hope you will take these memories with you.
Many of you will be going out on technical tours tomorrow, where you will get to experience more of our culture and see the giant clam sanctuary and the marine protected areas. At the same time, you will be able to enjoy some activities on the two islands.
On this occasion there have been many firsts. This was the UNWTO Secretary General’s first Joint Commission Meeting, it was the first time for the Pacific Region to host a UNWTO Meeting and it has been the first time for Fiji to host you all.
I would like to categorically state that this will not be the last.
Our cooperation with UNWTO and its member states is stronger than ever before. And Fiji plans to play the host to more of UNWTO meetings, seminars and dialogues in the coming months, if we are given the opportunity.
To all the delegates that are here, I hope you do return and take full appreciation of what Fiji has to offer, as our valued guests.
Ladies and Gentlemen,At this juncture, I wish to again thank all the member states and the UNWTO for accepting our offer last year to host the 30th Joint Commissions Meeting. I hope you have enjoyed your stay in Fiji and will return soon.
I also wish to take this opportunity to thank our partners and sponsors for their valuable contributions, which made this event possible. Vinaka vakalevu to our sponsors, especially Carpenters (Fiji) Limited the platinum sponsors, who also supplied bottled water for the whole event.
I wish all our international delegates a safe journey home.
Vinaka vakalevu and enjoy the evening.
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