DEPUTY PM HON. VILIAME GAVOKA'S ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE 2025 TOURISM SUPER WEEK

Tourism Fiji Board Chair, Mr. André Viljoen,
Tourism Fiji Board of Directors,
Tourism Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brent Hill,
Invites Guests from Fiji and Abroad,
Dedicated Partners and Sponsors,
Members of the media,
And most importantly, the tireless workers who bring Fijian hospitality to life every day...
 
Bula Vinaka!
 
First and foremost, I would like to honour the owners of these lands that we now stand, Vanua o Nadi, its leaders, Were Levu i Navatulevu na Viyagwane na Jui Nadi, past, present and emerging.
 
THE HEART OF FIJIAN TOURISM
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Tourism Super Week is fast becoming one of the premier events in our calendar to look forward to. And we are here with a purpose.

We are gathered here by something far more powerful than professional obligation. That invisible thread connecting us all is Veisolisoli - the living spirit of reciprocal growth that has sustained our islands for generations.
 
Under this year’s theme, Veisolisoli for Success: Sharing Knowledge, Building Futures, this ancient wisdom is now our modern competitive edge.
 
What truly sets Fiji apart in this crowded global market? It lives in the human moments we create - when a veteran hotelier advises a village homestay operator, when international investors learn from local artisans, when every visitor becomes part of our extended family through the genuine care we show.
 
That’s Veisolisoli in all its essence.
 
THIS WEEK'S TRANSFORMATIVE MISSION
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over these five days, we will activate this collective power. Our micro, small and medium enterprises, those dearest to the industry, will gain insights covering many topics.
 
Our tour guides will hone their craft as cultural ambassadors. Sustainable practices will take root across our industry. Getting the business foundation right. Most importantly, what can collaboration look like.

OUR SHARED CHARGE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As your Minister, I pledge to keep removing barriers. Last week in Parliament, we spoke about matters that impact us as in industry. From enhancing our connectivity – to leveraging the growing cruise market, there is a lot we need to do. But true progress requires all hands on deck. So I challenge each of you: mentor one rising star this week. Dare to explore one unconventional idea. Forge one partnership that will outlast this event.
 
THE FUTURE WE WILL BUILD
When we reconvene next year, let our success stories echo across these islands - of villages transformed through tourism enterprises, of young Fijians employed in thriving businesses, of innovations that began as conversations in these very halls.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Tourism Fiji and our partners, I thank you all for being part of this special week.
 
Let us move forward united—with vision, passion, and the spirit of veilomani.
 
Vinaka vakalevu, God bless you all, and may God continue to bless our beloved Fijian tourism industry!