Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Fiji,
Chief Executive Officers
Our Partners, EV Direct, Palas, FijiCare,
Industry Stakeholders,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and Good Morning everyone.
On my way here, I looked back at how the tourism sector was some 10 – 20 years ago and how far we have come. Today, the word sustainability has become almost synonymous with tourism.
So, it is my absolute pleasure to be part of today’s launch of Tourism Fiji’s electronic vehicles.
TOURISM AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We know that as tourism grows, so does its impact on the environment. It’s a cost we bear as tourists, as businesses and as Governments.
Against a current ambition scenario, by 2030 transport-related carbon (CO2) emissions from tourism is estimated to grow 25 percent from 2016 levels. Transport-related CO2 emissions of the tourism sector are 22% of the whole emissions from transport.
Of course, when we talk about transport we are talking about aircraft and vessels as the large emitters. But land transport too has a role to play here.
NATIONAL COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fiji’s commitment to sustainability is unwavering.
It is how we can and should develop policies and initiatives for growing the economy without sacrificing the rights of future generations to enjoy the same resources and the same environment that we do today.
For us, that means preserving the stability of our climate.
As the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, I firmly believe that sustainability must be at the forefront and the tourism industry plays a pivotal role in this endeavor.
For our part, our entire development agenda is built around the principle of sustainability.
We have mapped out a decarbonisation agenda through legislation such as the Climate Change Act 2021 legally-binds Fiji to its commitment of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and having a national transport decarbonisation strategy.
In November this year, Fiji is looking to attend the third International Civil Aviation Organisation Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels to look at cleaner energy in aviation.
These aren’t Government commitments but national ones that requires every act of good practice to be realised, however big or small.
SUSTAINABLE ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With our tourism campaign now being Fiji – where happiness comes naturally – its only fitting that we as a destination reflect our brand values.
The electric vehicles being introduced by Tourism Fiji mark a significant step forward. These vehicles are not just environmentally friendly; they are also an embodiment of our commitment to sustainable practices.
Now I am no environment expert or engineer, but I know unlike conventional batteries, the batteries used in these electronic vehicles are produced in a sustainable manner, reducing environmental footprint.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am told the Blade Battery technology developed by BYD signifies a notable breakthrough in electric vehicle battery technology. It provides 50 percent more space utilization, passing all security and risk checks with technology engineered for longevity, ensuring a prolonged lifespan. With enhanced safety, durability, and performance, it stands as a significant development in the realm of electric vehicle batteries.
SOLAR CHARGERS
Ladies and Gentlemen,
But our efforts don’t end with electric vehicles alone. In conjunction with this initiative, I am proud to announce that we are actively working on implementing solar chargers for these cars.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am also pleased to announce that Solar Hub has agreed to partner with Tourism Fiji to supply and install Solar EV charging stations free of charge. Vinaka!
By harnessing the power of the sun, we not only ensure emissions-free charging but further reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
LEASED EVS FOR LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY
Furthermore, the decision to lease these electric vehicles instead of traditional fuel-powered cars demonstrates our commitment to long-term sustainability and cost efficiency. Not only will this help reduce operational costs for Tourism Fiji (and by extension Government), but it also sets an example for other businesses within the tourism industry to adopt sustainable practices.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to conclude by acknowledging our extremely valuable partners:
Build Your Dreams – EV Direct – for supplying the electric vehicles and chargers and heavily subsidizing them;
Solar Hub – for the free supply and installation of the Solar EV charging stations;
Palas – for your support in bringing the vehicles into Fiji; and
FijiCare – for insuring them and being the only company insuring electronic vehicles.
The investment we make today will add to our goal to build a cleaner and more energy efficient.
When there is something new in the market, I usually turn to my team and say let’s do this. I forget I’m in Government. But I am sure we will trial this across the public sector in due time.
Thank you and Vinaka vakalevu.