“THE tourism sector is the largest contributor to the Fijian economy. To ensure that the industry continues this positive performance, we need to work together to capitalise on the unique features each of our region has.”
Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar made the remarks during her meeting with representatives of the Savusavu Tourism Association at Daku Resort, Savusavu.
Mrs Kumar emphasised that partnership between the operators and the Fijian Government was crucial for the continued sustainable development of the Fijian tourism industry.
“Savusavu may only get 2 percent of the total visitors to Fiji, but the number of nights spent here is an average of 19, which is double the national average. Therefore, Savusavu definitely has a lot to offer and is doing great in getting visitors to spend more time here. The rest of Fiji needs to learn from your experience,” Mrs Kumar said.
She said the Fijian Government recognises the importance of the tourism sector and has ensured that there is a plan in place, to further guide the development of the sector.
The most recent plan is the Fijian Tourism 2021 (FT 2021), which provides strategies and policy recommendations to ensure sustainable growth of the tourism sector with specific focus on high quality service and yield from visitors.
The meeting provided industry players in the greater Savusavu area the opportunity to share what the region has to offer for the growth of the sector and how they can contribute to the strategies within the FT 2021.
The Chair of the Savusavu Tourism Association, Delia Jones highlighted that Savusavu is ready to support the Fijian Government’s vision for the tourism sector.
Savusavu is able to cater for niche and emerging markets, such as voluntourism, yacht tourism and marine ecology, which create additional value in the sector.
