Fiji and Japan Strengthen Tourism Ties with Memorandum of Cooperation

Sendai, Japan – November 9, 2024 – The Government of Fiji, through the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Japan Tourism Agency of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

The MoC, signed today, aims to enhance bilateral collaboration in the tourism sector between the two nations, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience.

The signing ceremony took place in Sendai, Japan, with Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation of Fiji, and His Excellency Haraikawa Naoya, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, officiating the agreement.

Hon. Gavoka, in his remarks, shared that the MoC will support initiatives that provide technical expertise, training, capacity building, and resource-sharing, all of which are crucial for the development of resilient tourism industries in both countries.

He shared that Fiji and Japan share a deep and abiding belief in the power and potential of the tourism industry. Hon. Gavoka further extended the Government of Fiji’s support to Japan in areas such as aviation and disaster preparedness.

“We are pleased to take this step in furthering our collaboration with Japan, a key partner in the Pacific region. This MoC will ensure that we share resources, knowledge, and best practices that will help both Fiji and Japan overcome challenges in the tourism sector,” said Hon. Gavoka.

The MoC also reaffirms the long-standing relationship between the two nations, dating back to 1970, Both countries have been working together on shared global priorities such as climate change, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.

Along the margins of the signing, Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan shared that the hard work of the Fiji Embassy in Tokyo is also acknowledged in this achievement.

“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation brings to closure an endeavour that has been pursued for the last 6 years between the two countries. The COVID-19 pandemic of course added to the delay. Nevertheless, we were committed to deepening our bilateral relations through this MOC. The tourism sector is crucial to both our countries and contributes significantly to economic development,” said H.E. Waqabaca.

He added “We look forward to having exchanges and assistance on various tourism related ventures and developments with Japan, a country that currently receives over 25 million visitors a year. This MOC will lay the foundation for mutual benefits between the two countries in the tourism space”.

Following the signing, a bilateral meeting was held where the upcoming EXPO2025 Osaka was discussed and how Fiji intends to leverage the opportunity to promote Fiji as a tourism, trade and investment destination.

As part of the agreement, both countries will work closely on tourism development, knowledge exchange, and crisis management, strengthening the foundation for mutual growth in the sector.

ENDS