Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth outlook for 2022 has upgraded to 15.6 per cent from the 12.4 per cent expected earlier in June.
Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya mentioned this latest data change at the recent Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association tourism talanoa symposium on Denarau last week.
The minister mentioned this growth was fuelled by the mass arrival of tourists into the country which was now expected to rise to just above 581,000 visitors compared with the earlier projection of around 492,000.
“Our strong recovery was a national effort – a national effort where all arms of Government and private sector, supported by our development and bilateral partners,” Mr Koya said.
“But while the worst of the pandemic is behind us, we are feeling the impacts of other global shocks – in addition to the impacts of climate change.
“A few weeks ago, I attended the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting on behalf of the Pacific, this was the first time for us to be among such a grouping – a grouping of more than 80 per cent of world GDP.
“I said then that the recovery of only 20 countries isn’t a recovery at all. And that every country left out or left behind, leaves huge potential on the table. And that’s true.”
Mr Koya informed tourism operators who were also part of the 2022 HOTEC Tradeshow that even where tourists were still willing and able to travel, rising fuel, food and energy prices would reduce their spending power.
These challenges, he indicated, required innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions – solutions driven by strong collaboration.
“The HOTEC returns after two years with a focus on a SMART (Sustainable, Marketable, Agile, Resilient and Travel-ready) industry.
“As with the Ministry of Tourism, we should all look at new opportunities.”
These opportunities should synthesize the relationship between regulators and industry for solutions. As with the industry, the Fijian Government prioritises tourism as a force of change. And we can do that with inclusive dialogue as we are doing today.
“Knowing the challenges we face–and in anticipating those on the horizon, should mean future-proofing the industry. ”
The minister has also called on the local tourism strategy to be a smart destination.
“And your discussions, in and out of these sessions, should help us be just that. He added the two days symposium allowed operators to share some collective outcomes that translate into shared goals – goals that would help them make more informed business and policy decisions.
