Fiji’s success was not measured by the number of tourists through our doors but by those that kept them open - Koya

Minister for Tourism Faiyaz Koya says Fiji’s success was not measured by the number of tourists through our doors but by those that kept them open and there is a debt of gratitude owed to many people.

While speaking at the closing of the 2022 HOTEC at Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Nadi, Koya says Fiji has already recovered 63% of visitor numbers, and we are moving away from survival to thriving.

He says behind these exceptional numbers are exceptional Fijians who sacrificed their family time and health and have also gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Koya adds these Fijians who have demonstrated national pride when the country needed it most deserve nothing less than our acknowledgement.

The Minister says this year’s HOTEC has almost twice as many exhibitors as anticipated and is the biggest one in almost 17 years.

He says platforms such as this are extremely important and come at a time when we can navigate global challenges such as supply chain disruptions.

Koya says Fiji’s efforts to enhance its tourism offerings did not stop despite the pandemic and global challenges.

He adds we have weathered numerous setbacks over the years, and this resilience has and should come from continued investment in innovation and business re-engineering.