International Windsurfing Tournament Director, Mr. Simeon Glass,
Managing Director, Fiji Surf Co, Ian Muller;
Fiji Pro Invitational Riders,
International and Local Event Partners,
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Bula Vinaka!
The Fiji Pro Invitational, like many other international sporting events, is driven out of passion and the love for the sport.
Here in Fiji, I can guarantee that not only will you experience the best and greatest waves and trade winds, but the best and warmest hospitality. So to those of you visiting Fiji for the first time, welcome to our home. And for those returning, welcome back!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
When Ian first came to my office with the wind surfing proposal, I could see the excitement in his face. This excitement is shared with the entire Fijian tourism industry, who have been thrilled with the re-opening of our borders in December last year.
As of July 2022 – we’ve already recovered 56.4% tourism numbers from the same period in 2019. July arrivals were 82% of the same month pre-pandemic. Our markets are showing a strong rebound. In July 2022, we received the highest number of Australians ever in a given month. New Zealand and the US also showed over 90% recovery of 2019 levels.
We’re expecting at least 500,000 visitors to our shores this year – and a full recovery by 2024.
On Monday this week, we also welcomed back our first cruise liner after over two years, carrying over 1,000 passengers on-board the Carnival Pacific Explorer.
Significant sacrifices have been made – as well as commitments to get to where we are. One of the Fijian Government’s shared commitments with the tourism industry is to build back more sustainably, more inclusively to ensure our resilience. For the larger part, this requires partnership.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the years, the Fijian Government has invested heavily in hosting international events. By doing so, we’re illustrating Fiji’s ability to host top tier international sporting events. And we measure our success beyond the direct economic benefit when it comes to positioning Fiji as a tourism hub.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I’m pleased to learn that the Fiji Surf Co. has partnered with a number of stakeholders – including the local communities Nabila and Momi Villages. This way, we ensure local people and local communities too, benefit.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fiji, like many other developing states, generates significant revenue from our natural assets –– tourism alone was 40% of our GDP pre-COVID. As a Government, sustainability, and the resilience it creates, are a major focus.
By protecting ecosystems, from our reefs to our forests, we can keep Fiji a pristine destination and continue to reap the benefits of a prosperous tourism sector. We want visitors to come to our islands to see these assets, and leave with a better understanding of how vital they are to our people.
I understand this event will contribute to the Great Sea Reef Trust to restore coral reefs around Cloudbreak and put in place measures for emissions offset. This will contribute to our vision of a ‘bluer’ Fijian tourism industry.
I know some of you have travelled from as far as France, Ireland, UK, Italy, Morocco, and the Pacific participating in this event.
Over the next few days, you will have the opportunity to explore Fiji’s beautiful natural surroundings, our diverse culture and cuisine, and our friendly and hospitable people.
I would like to welcome you once again and wish you all the very best. I would also like to acknowledge and convey a special ‘vinaka vakalevu’ to the ‘vanua’ of Tavarua and Namotu for their support.
With those few words, it gives me great pleasure to now declare the International World Surfing Tournament – 2022 competition open.
Thank you and vinaka vakalevu.
