Tourism Minister Meets with Tourism Delegation
Ahigh-level delegation from the Fiji Hotel & Tourism Association (FHTA) had the opportunity to meet with the new Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka with Assistant Minister Alitia Bainivalu and the Ministry of Tourism team yesterday.
The FHTA delegation was led by CEO Mrs Fantasha Lockington and key members of the FHTA Board of Directors.
The objective of the meeting was to brief the Minister and his team, in order to provide firsthand updates
on the state of the tourism industry from the perspective of top tourism operators and related stakeholders.
FHTA board members provided an assessment of the important role of the tourism industry in supporting the national economy, as well as the ongoing challenges facing the sector.
The FHTA presentation highlighted the pre-pandemic industry’s achievements and how the industry is faring 13 months after Fiji reopened its borders. Discussions also focused on recommendations regarding opportunities for policies to support the industry’s continued success, acknowledging the key role this would play in the recovery of the Fijian economy.
Mrs Lockington said that the tourism industry will continue to strive towards positively contributing to the objectives of the state’s plan to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic development, pointing to the Ministry of Tourism’s desire to foster a consultative and collaborative relationship with relevant stakeholders when issuing legislation and approving laws supporting the national economy.
Key issues canvassed included tax policies, infrastructure development, a renewed tourism development plan, employment and overseas migration concerns, and government policy initiatives. FHTA is excited to work closely with the Government to continue advancing Fiji’s tourism industry to its preeminent position in the region.