Fiji remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening tourism and aviation connectivity across the Pacific region.
This was underscored by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka during the Ministerial Dialogue on Connecting Tourism and Aviation held in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga.
Hosted by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), the dialogue gathered Ministers, senior government officials, and aviation leaders to discuss ways of enhancing coordination between the two sectors across the Blue Pacific.
Gavoka emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among regional bodies such as SPTO, the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO), the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA), and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). He highlighted Fiji’s integrated model—combining tourism and civil aviation under one ministry—as a best-practice example of how aligning air connectivity with tourism development can foster inclusive and sustainable growth.
Welcoming SPTO’s Tourism and Aviation Strategy 2026–2030, Gavoka urged development partners to support its implementation through investments in data systems, institutional capacity building, and sustainable aviation infrastructure.
“Our goal is a connected Pacific that moves together, prospers together, and ensures no one is left behind,” he said.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and community livelihoods. Strengthened regional air connectivity, Gavoka noted, will not only boost visitor arrivals but also deepen cultural ties, facilitate trade, and open new opportunities for shared prosperity across the Pacific.
