The Fijian Tourism Expo has been our most important platform for conversation, connection and opportunity in our tourism sector, says President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
He noted this when he officiated at the opening of the Fijian Tourism Expo at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort on Denarau Island on Wednesday.
“I believe this expo is our most important ever held because this year is unlike any before it. We have a total of 11 countries being represented including Fiji and that in itself is a feat worth mentioning,” Ratu Wiliame 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 and Pacific Island countries yet to reopen are following our progress closely.”
Ratu Wiliame informed international buyers and local tourism stakeholders that after two years of pent-up demand, holiday seekers everywhere wanted to know how to get to Fiji and experience what our islands could offer. The president explained that the pandemic had a cruel and immediate impact on Fijian livelihoods because of the virtual closure of the entire tourism industry.
“The streets here on Denarau, where we are today, were quiet; rooms were empty, tour operators shut down.
“Hardworking people who devoted their careers to this industry were anxious about their future and those who indirectly benefited from this sector, including farmers, taxidrivers, market vendors, restaurant owners, and thousands of other Fijians were hit hard as well. “For their sake, we persevered. We showed the full measure of our strength and resilience to make Fiji safe again and bring this industry back.”
Ratu Wiliame said the successful “Open for Happiness” campaign put a global spotlight on Fiji’s reopening.
“Twenty million video views later, the campaign is a huge reason why Fiji became the most coveted destination in 2022. And our national carrier, Fiji Airways, deserves full marks for putting Fiji on the map as one of the safest travel destinations in the world through its award-winning onboard safety campaign.
“We have since welcomed thousands of Aussies and Americans –– and most recently Kiwis –– to Fiji.
“We are open for business and we remain confident in this industry’s future. The evidence of our success is all around us.”
Ratu Wiliame added that as Fiji headed into the peak of our tourism season, the forward booking numbers for Fiji for this month through to July and beyond was looking extremely positive.
The three-day expo is in progress at the Denarau Island Conference Centre at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort.
