THE reactivation of the Tourism Action Group (TAG) indicates that tourism is not sitting idle, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka.
In an interview in Nadi yesterday Mr Gavoka said the revival of TAG was driven by the marketing arm of government, Tourism Fiji.
“It (TAG) goes back many years, given our dislocation over the last 40 years or so,” he said.
“And it brings in all industry to be part of the committee to guide the work of the industry in times of crisis.
“So immediately, the Middle East crisis began to escalate and threatening the global economy.
“The CEO of Tourism Fiji, Dr Paresh Pant activated TAG and called a committee to come together and guide the industry during this crisis.”
Mr Gavoka said the committee was chaired by Tour Managers Group managing director, Damend Gounder.
“Damend has been a leader in TAG going back some years. I think it was in 2000 and 2006, when he looked after TAG.
“The beauty of TAG is that it brings the industry together, hoteliers, airlines, in-bound operators, Tourism Fiji and other arms of the Government.
“Tourism and Civil Aviation, Ministry of Finance, and other government agencies when they are needed.
“It is a committee that is welcomed by the government and indicates that tourism is not sitting idle, that it appreciates the threat that is out there and taking steps to find ways to mitigate the effect of this global crisis.”
Meanwhile, Dr Pant said the idea of reactivating TAG was overwhelming welcomed by stakeholders in the tourism industry.
“Tourism industry in Fiji has been very resilient, very enthusiastic and they do realise the gravity of the situation,” Dr Pant said.
“And they want to work as one, to have a collective response because at the end the of the day, as one country.
“If we go out with a united voice, it’s easier for our trade partners, it’s easier for the international media to know what Fiji is doing, its level of preparedness and how we will also be serving the guests when they come to Fiji and giving them certainty as well.”
