In welcoming the new Ministerial appointments, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka and the Assistant Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu, yesterday received a courtesy call from the People’s Republic of China’s chargé d’affaires and Political Counselor, H.E. Wang Xuguang.
This year will mark the 48th year of diplomatic relations between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China – built on the premise of mutual respect for sovereignty and cooperation.
In congratulating the Ministers, H.E. Xuguang said that China, as a long standing bilateral partner of Fiji, wishes to continue contributing to the Fiji economy and that the Chinese community in Fiji have today become an important part of the Fiji society.
H.E. Xuguang added with the easing of restrictions in mainland China, Fiji can expect a rebound in Chinese tourists.
“Pre-COVID, China’s outbound market was near 150 million. With easing of our border restrictions, we can expect a rebound of Chinese tourists. The Embassy is ready to support this and the recovery of the Fiji economy. We hope Fiji will also provide facilitation for Chinese tourists,” said H.E. Xuguang.
In 2004, Fiji became an overseas destination for Chinese tourists. And by 2015, with the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption, visitor arrivals to Fiji grew by an estimated 40 percent.
In acknowledging the People’s Republic of China’s support over the years and the resumption of travel, the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation welcomed the People’s Republic of China’s announcement on its re-opening on January 8.
“We recognise the value of Chinese travellers as a growing global outbound market. Fiji received approx. 46,000 tourists per year pre-COVID and you’ve been one of our top 5 source markets. We want to grow this market further and stand ready to support marketing efforts through Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways,” said Minister Gavoka.
The Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation further expressed the Ministry’s intention to pursue further areas of mutual cooperation, including capacity building and training.
