Saviour of the economy
THE Government of the day looks at tourism as a saviour of the economy in the near term, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka.
Mr Gavoka made the statement during his meeting with the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association Board members on Monday.
“With challenges to the global economy, a strong tourism industry will definitely help. So the commitment is there to support tourism and recovery has already been remarkable,” he said.
He also said with tourism and civil aviation now merged, the Government believed it’s important to strengthen the ministry and increase dialogue with the private sector.
“We’ll bring in a greater element of consultation, and not just within the industry.
“We want to see broader participation and the Prime Minister is very inclusive this way.
“You’re private sector driven and we’ll keep it that way with policy and marketing support,” he said.
FHTA president Brian Kirsch congratulated the minister and Assistant Minister Alitia Bainivalu and said the organisation was excited to have someone well versed with the industry.
“As an industry, we want to be employers of choice and environment champions. We are firm believers in improving the economy and the lives of ordinary Fijians with the multiplier effect tourism have. So we will continue to work with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation to do so,” said Mr Kirsch.
FHTA chief executive officer Fantasha Lockington and the board members shared key challenges and opportunities impacting the industry.