President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere and Lady Filomena Katonivere,

Na Momo Na Tui Nadi,

Tourism Fiji Board Chair, Andre Viljoen and Directors,

CEO Tourism Fiji, Brent Hill,

Industry partners from Fiji and abroad,

Invited Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bula Vinaka!

This year marks our eighth year of the Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE). And the eighth year of welcoming our trade partners back to Fiji.

As most of you know, the last FTE we held was done virtually in 2020. For those that joined us, you’ll remember that I spoke about how Fiji had gone over 200 days since our last COVID-19 case in the community. We can agree, I’m sure, that experiencing Fiji first-hand is a whole lot better.

Although international flights had stopped, through our innovative Blue Lanes and swift adaptable Frameworks, we were able to welcome yachts and other specialised groups such as film crew and higher-end tourists. We re-energised domestic tourism and re-acquainted thousands of locals to what Fiji is renowned for – world class resorts and attractions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

So during this time, we were guided by robust policies that led to our border re-opening. Our out-of-work tourism workers were among those supported by half a billion in direct and indirect assistance paid by the Fijian Government.

The tourism industry was cushioned by locals holidaying at home – and our economy began slowly recovering as we seized new opportunities.

Today, we have a lot to be thankful for. And we must pay special tribute to first; the Fijian tourism industry and our people – who are our biggest draw card. And second; to our guests – who I’m sure have come with renewed enthusiasm to take Fiji to the world. Welcome home to Fiji.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Through the course of the pandemic – as the science and data evolved – so did our policies. We recognised early on that shutting ourselves off from the rest of the world would be a short term measure at best. The Fijian Government, along with the Tourism industry, made sure that we moved quickly and safely to open.

This propelled us into a position from where we could gradually ease entry conditions – guided by strengthened community-wide surveillance efforts.

We established a Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) programme that assures anyone to Fiji that they were protected beyond our high vaccination levels. We have steadily rolled back restrictions in step with the world to make travel to Fiji easier. So as the Minister for Tourism, it’s a pleasure to welcome you back to experience Fiji.

Since re-opening our borders in December 2021, we’ve seen a steady and healthy growth in visitor numbers from Australia, the United States and most recently New Zealand –– the vast majority of which have flown to Fiji on our national carrier, Fiji Airways.

I understand that last month, Fiji averaged occupancy that often exceeded our 2019 peak across thirty key hotels. Our Average Daily Room Rate and our Revenue per Available Room matched 2019 pre-pandemic figures; very good signs as we continue to build back.

As we see our economy recovering, our focus will continue to remain on growing the value of the industry and propagating its benefits across the entire tourism ecosystem.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We took the last two years as an opportunity to re-invest. From upgrading our tourism facilities and renowned hospitality, to piloting new products. In fact, right here, the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort is one of them.

Tourism Fiji has already led eight familiarisation trips this year. Seven prior to the Expo and one after. If you were on one of these, I hope you experienced our warm hospitality for yourselves.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the next two days, you’ll learn of Tourism Fiji’s strategic priorities for the next two years. You’ll learn of our focus to

grow the industry in a much greener – and bluer way. Including how we’ve set ourselves ambitious targets that put us on a course to sustainable recovery.

A key part of this is setting the Fijian industry on a new–more equitable footing. The Fijian Government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, has now embarked on a renewed sectoral plan in this regard.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year, we have about 91 international buyers and trade media from across 10 countries. That’s another positive sign.

I look forward to meeting the sellers here as well – our exhibitors – who will show you that not only are we recovering – we’re focused on coming back with brand new

products that put Fiji in a league of its own; that cement it as the destination of choice for tourists from around the globe.

Our focus has, and will always be, ‘high-value, low-impact’ tourism that generates more positive impact in our communities and the Fijian economy. What we want is for visitors to come and experience our country’s beautiful natural assets, and leave with a better understanding of how integral they are to our people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

You – our trade partners – are best placed to carry this vision to the world as you promote Fiji. We hope that over the next two days, you are able to truly immerse yourselves in the incomparable magic our Island nation has to offer.

And with those few words, I wish you all a great 2022 Fijian Tourism Expo!

Vinaka vakalevu, and thank you.