Ms. Kim Seeling Smith, CEO and Founder at Ignite Global,
Esteemed Members of the Fiji Institute of Chartered
Accountants,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
 
Muju cola vina, good morning and welcome to my turf.
 
Before I proceed, I take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands which we now stand. Na Vanua o Nakuruvarua, na Viyagwane na Kwa Levu na Jui Nadroga, their leaders – past, present and emerging.
 
I am delighted to address this 49th Congress of the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants, here in Yanuca, where we are being reminded of our vital role in sculpting our nation’s economic framework.
 
Today, my attention will be directed towards exploring additional benefits we can derive from tourism. 
 
Simply put “What more can we get from tourism?”
 
Looking back at the past year, here is what we have seen
 
We have returned to 2019 levels of GDP with the Fijian economy growing by 8.2 percent.
 
In 2023, we received a total of 929,740 visitors, an increase of around 32 percent from 2022. 
 
The 929,740 visitors who arrived in 2023 contributed an estimated 3.22B FJD to the economy. 
Approximately 46% of the spending occurred prior to arrival while the remaining 54% of spending occurred while in the country. 
 
In the 3 months this year (Jan-March), we not only recovered pre pandemic numbers, but are around 12 percent higher. By the end of the year, we are projecting to receive a million visitors. 
 
Lodging/accommodations and airfare accounted for most (60%) of the spending in 2023, which was the case in 2022 as well. 

Outside of the airfare and accommodation, visitors spend saw:
Restaurants, bars and other eating places: 491 million FJD
Tours and attractions: 265 million FJD
Local food markets: 131 million FJD
Retail shopping: 113 million FJD 
 
As you can see based on this data, in 2023, tourists spent a significant amount on tours and attractions, indicating a growing interest in activities beyond lodging and airfare. 
 
This trend suggests that tourism activities have the potential to benefit local communities, especially with increasing visitor numbers and spending on experiences.
 
As tourists seek to explore more during their visits, opportunities arise for local businesses to offer tours, attractions, and other activities, thereby stimulating economic growth in grassroots communities. 
 
The US market is expected to grow significantly with change in aviation policy and Americans are very active visitors – they will explore Fiji.

The Ministry, through the Roko Tui Saravanua role, is reaching out to these grassroot communities in building capacity and sharing knowledge on exploring communitybased tourism activities such as Adventure and Eco Tourism. 
 
We must also recognise that, as stewards of fiscal responsibility, we have a vital role in supporting and advancing programmes that foster long-term growth and prosperity.
 
On the segment by segment basis, we need to harness the potential of alternative forms of tourism such as:
Retirement Tourism: Attracting retirees seeking a peaceful and tropical lifestyle.
Medical Tourism: Promoting Fiji as a destination for medical treatments and wellness services.

Ecotourism: involves visiting natural areas to learn, appreciate, and conserve the environment, while minimizing any negative impacts.

Adventure tourism: involves traveling to remote or exotic locations to engage in physically challenging and exciting activities such as hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and zip-lining
Cruise tourism: involves traveling on cruise ships to various destinations, where passengers can enjoy leisure activities, sightseeing, and cultural experiences both onboard and at ports of call.

Sports Tourism: Leveraging Fiji’s sporting events and facilities. We need to work on building up activities and help spread the benefits of tourism to the other regions in Fiji.

I am pleased to share with you details of the Na Vualiku Development Project, an initiative championed by the Government to foster an integrated, resilient, and sustainable tourism sector in Vanua Levu. 
 
This is a World Bank project over ten years with a commitment of $200M US Dollars.
 
This project is designed not only to bridge essential gaps in the region but also enhance the availability of marketdriven tourism experiences while concurrently minimising impacts associated with tourism activities. 

In recognising the importance of intersectoral linkages within the tourism industry, we are presented with a realm of opportunities that not only bolster our economic landscape but also uphold the principles of sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, 
 
In exploring the far-reaching effects of tourism on local communities and the environment, let us take the proposed Namuka Bay Resort Development in the Western Division as an example. This development is anticipated to catalyse various interconnected industries within the supply chain, including agriculture and transportation. Moreover, the tourism multiplier, recognised for its significant economic impact, is poised to extend its benefits to the film industry as well.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, 
A structured framework has been established wherein you, as stakeholders, can propose projects that, upon evaluation of their positive impact on a national scale, may potentially qualify for incentives. 
 
This inclusive framework accommodates the needs of both local and foreign investors, aiming to navigate past challenges such as regulatory uncertainties, limited access to financing, environmental compliance issues, and social impact concerns that have emerged from prior investment ventures in Fiji.
 
The expected outcomes of implementing this Policy Framework are diverse and far-reaching, encompassing increased foreign direct investment, job generation, economic expansion, infrastructure advancement, and enhanced competitiveness within local industries. 
 
These advancements are anticipated to elevate living standards, improve access to essential services like education and healthcare, strengthen social welfare initiatives, progress gender equality and social inclusivity, as well as stimulate community development and empowerment.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, 
This Framework prioritises resolving infrastructural deficiencies within underdeveloped regions, focusing on enhancements in waste management, sewage systems, and other necessary services. 
 
This strategic approach also seeks to improve the accessibility to crucial infrastructure including internet connectivity, water provisions, energy resources, and transportation networks. 
 
By emphasising infrastructural development, the Framework aims to benefit developers while simultaneously enriching the quality of life for local communities, thereby fostering economic growth and stability in these areas.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
In noting this I would also like to shed some light on two key sectors and our commitment to promoting sustainable development: 
Agriculture and Manufacturing.
 
1. Agriculture:
Innovative Agribusiness for   Economic
Diversification: 
Our acumen as financial specialists underscore the importance of diversifying our economy. Innovative agribusiness practices and technologies can spur growth and fortify our agricultural base, reinforcing our economic infrastructure.
 
Promoting Farm-to-Fork and Initiatives: 
We need to strengthen linkages and create synergies with other sectors of the economy such as Agriculture. 
The connections and relationships between the tourism sector and other sectors of the economy can have various impacts on economic output, employment, income distribution, and innovation. Merging agriculture with tourism offers abundant economic opportunities.
 
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation hosted the first of the three Farm to Fork Initiative Workshop last month at the Outrigger Beach Resort and Spa supported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with the Canadian Government.
 
The Event involved several key activities aimed to bridge the gap between local agriculture and the vibrant tourism industry with three key outcomes:
Strengthened synergy between farmers, fishermen, middlemen and key decision makers in hotels and other recreational tourism-based facilities to address supply chain knowledge;
Enhanced Fijian Made Brand integration into the tourism sector; and
Promoting co-operatives business models amongst the farmer clusters.
 
By fostering collaboration between farmers, chefs, and hospitality professionals, the initiative strives to have in place a demand driven coordination mechanism that seeks to enhance the relationship between our local farmers and chefs. This ultimately creates a sustainable ecosystem where fresh, locally sourced ingredients are readily available for visitors’ dining experiences.
 
Agri tourism, also known as agro-tourism, is when people visit farms and countryside areas for enjoyment. They can pick fruits, join farm tours, sample local foods, and even spend the night. This type of tourism benefits farmers financially and educates visitors about farming and locally sourced food. 
 
Food connects us to our past, our ancestors, and our way of life. Showcasing our cultural and natural heritage through Agro tourism aligns with the ethos that ‘food is our culture’. This can attract a discerning clientele and create enduring income for rural locales.
2. Manufacturing:
Embracing Industry 4.0 for Manufacturing Advancement: 
The Manufacturing and Retail sector is a Tourism Magnet. Since it plays such an important role in attracting tourists, retail and tourism development initiatives cannot operate in isolation.
 
Our financial management proficiency is pivotal in fostering technological advancements in manufacturing. Adopting Industry 4.0 can amplify productivity and competitive edge, establishing Fiji as a vanguard of manufacturing innovation whilst supporting our ‘Fijian Made Buy Fijian campaign’.  

The targeted outcome of this campaign is to encourage economic growth and improve livelihood for all Fijians. The campaign encourages Fijians to actively participate and take pride in what is produced, grown, made, assembled and sewn locally; hence meeting the following objectives:
 
Reduced import bills;
Build sense of Loyalty to support growth of our Industries (employment, investment, backward linkage);
Raise profile of Fijian Made Products/Produce; and
Promote consumption of Fijian Made Products
 
Championing Sustainable Manufacturing: 
We should promote manufacturing practices that are environmentally considerate and resource-efficient, encouraging a circular economy that ensures our nation’s lasting affluence. 
 
This commitment extends to supporting local manufacturing goods such as eco-friendly travel accessories made from recyclable materials, sustainable food packaging and artisanal crafts made from renewable resources to name a few.
 
Supporting Local Artisanship and Manufacturing: 
As guardians of fiscal integrity, we value local artisanship for its cultural significance. Our financial guidance can bolster artisanal manufacturing, celebrating our distinct culture and contributing to our economic vitality. 
 
This includes supporting the production of Fijian Made crafts in tourism, potteries and traditional handicrafts, preserving our heritage while providing economic opportunities for local artisans.
 
Fiji Government - Vision
The Fiji Government will continue to foster intersectoral collaborations across various industries (including tourism) to boost the country's competitive edge and anticipate future requirements. This includes enhancing Fiji’s tourism infrastructure, such as: 
Improving road networks for better connectivity;
Identifying alternative, affordable transportation options;
Upgrading systems in tourism hotspots;
Modernizing and expanding our points of entry such as airports and seaports;
Upgrading key connecting points, especially to
Vanua Levu;
Harnessing the power of technology and Digital Platforms to enhance visitor experiences; and
Addressing climate and disaster risks and building resilience in the tourism sector.
National Sustainable Tourism Framework (NSTF): 
The Ministry is currently developing the National Sustainable Tourism Framework which is at its final stage of completion.
It's a 10-year plan that shares the collective vision and goals of the Fijian tourism industry. The NSTF has four goals that will support the NSTF vision:
Prosperous visitor economy
Create an enabling policy environment and regulatory coherence
Nurture sustainable investments
Create a competitive destination with diverse experiences
Thriving and inclusive communities
Place community empowerment and social inclusion at the centre of tourism planning 
Grow experiential and culturally responsible tourism that supports tourism dispersal 
Make tourism a career pathway of choice via rewarding employment and entrepreneurship
Visible and valued culture
Protect and promote our diverse cultures and traditions
Enable prosperous and creative industries
Healthy islands and Strengthen protection of our islands, coastal and ocean ecosystems

Build resilience to climate change and transition to a low-carbon sector
The framework calls on all partners with a role in shaping the future of the tourism sector to align their efforts with the vision, goals and priorities articulated herein. 

This will require deeper collaboration, coordination, and coherence, embodying a spirit of ‘solesolevaki’ built on mutual trust and respect, recognising the importance of the diverse roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in tourism.

In conclusion, as members of the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants, we play a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s economic destiny. Let us strive to explore further potential in tourism in promoting sustainable development, encouraging innovation, and maintaining fiscal integrity and societal responsibility.
 
Let us collectively advance with assurance, knowing that our shared expertise and pursuit of excellence will forge a more luminous and prosperous future for Fiji.
 
Vina valevu and thank you.