The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Viliame Gavoka officially inaugurated the 2024 HOTEC Tradeshow at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort.
The event, recognised as Fiji’s largest hospitality trade show, gathered local suppliers and international exhibitors to showcase their products and services.
In his address, the Acting Prime Minister highlighted the robust growth of Fiji’s tourism sector, reporting a 7% increase in visitor arrivals from January to September 2024 compared to the previous year. He emphasised that tourism accounts for 40% of Fiji’s GDP and supports around 119,000 jobs.
He also projected that Fiji could reach the 1 million visitor mark by the end of the year, with gross receipts potentially reaching $4 billion in the coming years.
Drawing from his recent attendance at the World Travel and Tourism Council Summit in Perth, DPM Gavoka highlighted insights on global travel trends. He noted that travel contribution to the global GDP will reach 10% in 2024, highlighting the sector’s expected growth and its potential to support 449 million jobs by 2034.
DPM Gavoka also stated the importance of sustainability in tourism, urging industry stakeholders to adopt eco-friendly practices. He introduced the Sustainability Information Session, which aligns with Fiji’s National Sustainable Tourism Framework, aiming to integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of the tourism industry. This session will discuss regenerative tourism, resource management, and disaster resilience.
The Acting Prime Minister also reaffirmed the Coalition Government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, improving air connectivity, and positioning Fiji as a premier global destination. He expressed gratitude to the event organizers, exhibitors, and participants for their dedication and contributions to the success of the HOTEC Tradeshow.
