Australians have played a crucial role in Fiji’s tourism recovery after the opening of our borders in 2021, says Acting Chief of Protocol Paula Daurewa.
Speaking during a reception marking Australia Day held on Friday, Mr Daurewa said the strong vuvale partnership between the two countries had soared to even greater heights.
He said this was evident in the role Australians played in helping Fiji’s tourism industry recover post-COVID.
“Last month, over 42,000 Australian visitors were welcomed to our shores,” he said.
“Fiji continues to see several investment projects in the pipeline coming from Australia across a broad range of sectors, including education, renewable energy, green technology, ICT infrastructure and business process outsourcing to name a few.
“It is pleasing to note that in this time of great need we are bearing witness to the powerful resilience and solidarity of the Pacific spirit as we celebrate this momentous occasion with all Australians.”
Australia’s Chargé D’Affaires to Fiji John Williams said for Australia, vuvale was a cultural shift which recognised not just the importance of Fiji to national interests, but also the need to engage each other in spirit of genuine two-way partnership.
“Australia Day is an important time of reflection for our people,” he said.
“We have much to celebrate, as a diverse, vibrant contemporary society, actively engaged in world affairs.
“People from almost every country on Earth have chosen to make Australia their home. And we are enriched by this adversity in so many ways.”
