The highly anticipated 2024 Fiji Tourism Convention kicked off at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort on Denarau Island, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, delivering an impassioned keynote address. The convention, drawing stakeholders from across Fiji’s tourism industry, set the stage for discussions on growth, sustainability, and the future of the sector.

Hon. Gavoka began his address by paying tribute to Geoff Shaw, a stalwart of Fiji’s tourism industry, who played a pivotal role in shaping the sector. Shaw’s contributions, especially his work with Castaway Island and Outrigger Resorts, were acknowledged with a moment of silence, as the Deputy Prime Minister remembered him as “a dear friend” and a visionary leader.

Tourism’s Resilience and Growth
The keynote address quickly shifted focus to Fiji’s remarkable tourism recovery. Hon. Gavoka lauded the sector’s resilience in the face of the pandemic, emphasizing that Fiji welcomed over 929,000 visitors in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. This achievement, which contributed FJ$3.3 billion to the economy, was hailed as a testament to the dedication and innovation of those within the industry.

“Fiji’s tourism is not just recovering, we are forging ahead stronger than ever,” Hon. Gavoka stated confidently. With over 640,000 visitors already recorded between January and August 2024, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed optimism that Fiji could exceed 1 million visitors by the end of the year—a milestone he attributed to strategic investments in marketing, infrastructure, and air connectivity.

Aviation Policy Shifts: Bold Moves Ahead
One of the key announcements during the address was Fiji’s shift towards a more open aviation policy. Hon. Gavoka highlighted that while Fiji has traditionally resisted an open skies policy, the government is now taking a “case-by-case” approach to air traffic liberalization. This, he explained, will allow for more targeted growth in the aviation sector while safeguarding national interests.

A significant milestone in this regard is the inaugural direct flight from Nadi to Dallas, which will not only attract more U.S. tourists from the North American market and also open new gateways from Europe. “This is a bold move that benefits all of us,” Hon. Gavoka remarked, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of this initiative on the country’s tourism sector.

Sustainable Tourism: A Long-term Commitment
The Deputy Prime Minister also outlined the government’s long-term vision for sustainable tourism, referring to the recently launched Fiji National Sustainable Tourism Framework 2024–2034. This strategic roadmap, he explained, is not just a plan but a promise to protect Fiji’s environment, empower its people, and build resilience in the tourism industry.

“At the heart of this strategy is the understanding that we cannot do this alone,” Hon. Gavoka said, stressing the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving Fiji’s sustainability goals. He further highlighted the recent launch of the USD$200 million Na Vualiku Project and the opening of a new office in Savusavu as key milestones in this journey.

Addressing Workforce Challenges
While celebrating the successes, Hon. Gavoka also acknowledged the challenges Fiji faces, particularly in retaining skilled workers in the tourism sector. He praised organizations like Marriott International and Fiji Airways for their efforts in establishing training academies to combat the “brain drain” and ensure that Fiji’s tourism workforce remains competitive.

The Deputy Prime Minister also announced improvements in immigration processes, particularly the automation of visa and permit applications through the Immi Hub system, which will streamline talent acquisition for the industry. These initiatives, he said, are part of the government’s broader commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment.

A Call for Unity and Collaboration
Hon. Gavoka closed his address with a strong call for unity within the tourism industry. He urged stakeholders to actively engage in discussions throughout the convention and to work collaboratively towards the shared goal of sustainable growth. “The world is watching, and we have an incredible opportunity to show that Fiji is not just a destination, but a beacon of hope, sustainability, and resilience,” he said, inspiring the audience to continue pushing boundaries.

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