This was the statement made by the President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere at the official opening of the eighth Fijian Tourism Expo 2022 at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Denarau, Nadi last night.
A total of 11 countries are present including Fiji while 83 international buyers, 83 exhibitors as well as the eight international trade and travel media organisations are also at the expo.
From left: Tourism Fiji board chair Andre Viljoen, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Minister for Commerce, Tourism, Trade and Transport, Faiyaz Koya during the opening of the Fijian Tourism Expo at Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Denarau on May 11, 2022. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
True to vision
Ratu Wiliame said Fiji kept true to its vision and revived the industry together allowing people to return to the jobs they loved.
He said Fiji has made it steadily and responsibly safer and easier to travel to Fiji in line with international best practices.
The President said was confident that Fiji’s tourism industries remarkable resilience and competitive spirit would continue to support Fiji’s ongoing economic recovery.
“I believe this expo is our most important ever held because this year is unlike any before,” he said.
“After 21 months of border closures, the eyes of the world are on this industry like never before. The tens of thousands of Fijians who rely on this sector are counting on us to keep our tourism recovery going strong.
“Prior to this pandemic, tourism was Fiji’s highest contributor to GDP so the pandemic had a cruel and immediate impact on Fijian livelihoods due to the virtual closure of the entire tourism industry.”
He also urged the participants to visit his province in Macuata to witness the Great Sea Reef known as Cakaulevu that has been presently established as a marine protected area.
Resilience through pandemic
Tourism Fiji board chair, Andre Viljoen said it had always been the Fijian people who was part of the country’s recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“From the rugby pitch to the runway, to tour operators to response and other providers, it is the Fijian people who put Fiji on the map and keep our visitors coming back and it is the Fijian people who belong at the heart of our industry’s recovery,” said Mr Viljoen.
He acknowledged the international buyers for their support.
Minister for Commerce, Tourism, Trade and Transport, Faiyaz Koya said a special tribute needed to be paid to the Fijian tourism industry and the people and to all guests.
Mr Koya said the Fijian Government, along with the tourism industry, made sure that Fiji moved quickly and safely to open.
“So as the minister for tourism, it’s a pleasure to welcome you back to experience Fiji,” he said.