HILTON Fiji Beach Resort & Spa’s 20-year presence in Fiji highlights the importance of long-term private sector investment to the growth and resilience of the tourism industry.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka made the comment at the resort’s 20th anniversary celebration in Denarau, Nadi on Wednesday.
He said maintaining a major tourism operation for two decades required sustained investment, adaptability and a strong partnership between investors, operators, employees, communities and Government.
“Twenty years is a long time in any business. In hospitality it is longer still. Markets change. Travellers change. The world sends its shocks without warning. A resort that has kept its doors open, its standards high and its people employed through two decades has done something that deserves recognition,” Mr Gavoka said.
He said Hilton’s continued operations demonstrated the value of investment that extended beyond the property itself.
“For two decades, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa has welcomed guests from around the world. It has supported employment and skills development.”
Mr Gavoka said the resort’s contribution was consistent with the Government’s National Sustainable Tourism Framework thaat identified sustainable investment as a priority.
He said the Government’s National Development Plan 2025 to 2029 also called for greater private sector participation in the economy as Fiji worked towards becoming a high-income, inclusive and advanced nation by 2050.
“Tourism will carry a large share of that ambition.”
He said Government’s focus was on developing a tourism and aviation sector that was sustainable, inclusive and resilient.
This included creating opportunities for Fijians, strengthening communities, encouraging responsible investment and building Fiji’s position as an international tourism destination.
Mr Gavoka said long-term tourism investment was particularly important because Government could not deliver the sector’s development objectives alone.
“It depends on partners who stay, who invest, and who train and employ Fijians for the long term.”
He also credited Hilton employees for contributing to Fiji’s tourism product and the visitor experience.
“Through your service, your hospitality and the Bula spirit you share every day, you turn Fiji’s reputation into a lived experience for our guests.”
Mr Gavoka congratulated Hilton, Vision Group, the hotel’s leadership and employees who had contributed to the resort’s 20-year history.
He said the milestone demonstrated the importance of long-term relationships in supporting tourism growth.
