FIJI proudly marked a historic milestone as it officially hosted the 2025 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC).
It was also the first time for the event to be held in the Pacific.
Held at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort in Nadi last week, the conference brought together more than 350 delegates from more than 30 countries.
Attendees included government leaders, tourism professionals, sustainability experts, community advocates and academic voices, all united by a shared mission to advance sustainable tourism globally.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, alongside deputy chairperson for Tourism Fiji Fantasha Lockington, GSTC chief executive officer Randy
Durband and vice chairperson Dr Kelly Bricker.
Mr Gavoka reaffirmed Fiji’s leadership in climate action through tourism.
“We are proud to welcome the world to Fiji,” he said.
“Not just as a tourism destination, but as a leader in protecting our planet.”
Mr Gavoka said Pacific countries were leaders in sustainable tourism.
“It’s not just aspiration but part of our national identity in how we protect what is dear to us.
“We are showing the world what it means to lead with purpose as not only frontlines in climate adaptation, but cultural diversity.”
Deputy chairperson of Tourism Fiji and FHTA chief executive officer Fantasha Lockington said hosting GSTC 2025 showed to the world that small island nations could lead big change.
“It’s an honour to welcome global changemakers to our shores and demonstrate our commitment to sustainable, community-focused tourism,” Ms Lockington said.
GSTC chief executive officer Randy Durband said hosting GSTC 2025 in Fiji served as a powerful reminder of how vital island representation is in shaping the global conversation on sustainable tourism.
“Island nations like Fiji are on the frontlines of climate challenges, but they also lead with innovation, resilience and deep-rooted cultural wisdom,” Mr Durband said.
“Their voices are essential in building a tourism future that is both sustainable and regenerative.
“This year’s conference themes focused on coastal and island tourism, community-led development, and climate resilience.
“These are not abstract ideas for Pacific nations but lived realities that shape our everyday approach to tourism development and national planning.”
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated August 16, 2025