Fiji’s commitment to the burgeoning partnership with the St Kilda Football Club was underscored this week, as Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka pledged support for the Australian Rules Football League’s (AFL) development in the country.
This landmark initiative, also backed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, signalled a strategic move to leverage the power of sport for economic growth and tourism.
“I made the commitments that Tourism Fiji and our tourism industry will be supporting all the initiatives that you have planned for Fiji,” Gavoka said during a cocktail reception on Tuesday night at the Australian High Commission.
Gavoka highlighted Fiji’s reliance on tourism and how sports are an integral part of that.
“As you know tourism is number one in Fiji and Australia is our biggest market and we rely on several segments. Sports is one of that segments that is growing economically and we see this AFL contribution to really strengthen the sports segment of tourism.
“There is a phenomenon that is unique to the AFL and its wonderful to be part of this initiative and the role that we are starting is now.”
The visit is a step towards a three-year journey of developing the sport of AFL in Fiji, building on the works of AFL Fiji, gradually building an academy like structure locally while at the same time strengthen the economic ties of this ambitious initiative.
“We hope to accomplish things my March 2028, it is a three-year journey and as we have indicated today, we are very much a part of it,” Gavoka said.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s concise yet powerful statement, “You have my support,” further solidified the government’s backing.
AFL was first played in Fiji in 1963 with an exhibition match in Suva.
Four Fijian players have made the professional level including Nic Naitanui, David Rodan, Alipate Carlile and Esava Ratugole.
