Call for partnership
THE local tourism industry will succeed if there is a trusting partnership between the government and its stakeholders.
This view was shared by local tourism operator Tony Whitton in light of the recent appointment of tourism veteran Viliame Gavoka as its line minister.
“Just one word for the new Government, ‘partnership’ or another term they would be familiar with is a ‘coalition’.
“I think it is very important for government to create an atmosphere of consultation and having an open door as we all want Fiji to prosper and ensure the benefits of tourism flow equally to all Fijians where enterprise and innovation are encouraged.
“When Government succeeds, we all succeed. We know there is a lot of pressure running a country.
It is perhaps one of the hardest jobs in the world, but the load can be shared.”
The managing director, Rosie Travel Group and Ahura Resorts said he was heartened to learn that the new government would convene a National Economic Summit of which tourism stakeholders would also be invited to consult and help formulate policies to create more jobs and new investment in this vital industry.
He said this could happen if an environment was created where all stakeholders could sit down and talk.
“To discuss policies that is important to government.
“To discuss ideas that is important to the tourism industry, to discuss frustrations.
“And to discuss things that are working and things that may need tweaking on both sides and then get a plan to fix issues in an orderly manner.”