Gavoka acknowledge the resilience of the tourism fraternity
January 2023 was another record month with more seats and more passengers flown than January 2019.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka made those remarks during the ANZ Fiji FETA 2022 at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa last Saturday.
Mr Gavoka also acknowledged the resilient tourism stakeholders that keep Fiji afloat nearly all the time. He also revealed some of the plans the government has for the tourism industry including the project creation of over 400 keys for the next five years and making it easy for the investors to carry out their big plans for the tourism industry.
He added that there have been more bookings which are expected for the next 12 months.
“January 2023 was another record month with more seats and more passengers flown than January 2019. “Forward bookings looking at the next 12 months too are higher than what they were pre-COVID,” he said. “And of course, speaking to so many of you here, hotels are reporting unpreceded bookings for the first quarter alone, defying what was our low peak season. “Investments are taking shape.” He said going through a life-changing pandemic, the tourism and airline industry finds opportunities.
“In 1999, we received about 400,000 visitors. By 2019, our record year, it more than doubled to 890,000 visitors making us an industry valued at 40 percent of GDP.
“In 2020, international tourist numbers were said to have gone back to levels of 30 years ago and the direct tourism GDP cut by almost half. “Having gone through a life-changing pandemic, multiple cyclones, and economic downturns, we find opportunities.”
Mr Gavoka added that in 2025, there is an expectation of growth by 3 percent.
“Today, we have recovered 71 percent of our 2019 visitor numbers (higher yields) — paving the way for an anticipated 85 percent recovery of pre-pandemic levels by 2023, with a full return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. And in 2025, we expect to grow by 3 percent.”
“Last month, our arrivals exceeded January 2019. Markets such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada all surpassed pre-pandemic January numbers.
“Our national airline, Fiji Airways, has set the bar as a carrier,” he said.