A Tourism Recovery Team which includes government and industry leaders has been formed to provide strategic and visionary guidance for the longevity of the industry as the country prepares for what the government is calling "a new phase of tourism".
It was formed after there was overwhelming industry demand to have a consultative body that is able to channel the concerns and challenges faced by the Tourism Industry.
A government statement says the Tourism Recovery Team is chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Shaheen Ali and includes key industry stakeholders such as Tourism Fiji, Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, Fiji Airways, Reserve Bank of Fiji, Society of Fiji Travel Associates, and the Ministry of Health.
Initial discussions have focused on sharing information on immediate impacts, ensuring compliance with government-mandated measures, and repatriating international visitors.
The statement further says this new Tourism Recovery Team will be holding regular discussions moving forward, reflecting on the need for coordinated and effective action by the public and private sector to map the next few steps to recovery.
Permanent Secretary for Tourism Shaheen Ali says business, as usual, will no longer be the case and recovery will depend on our adaptability and preparedness for market re-entry.
He says what they as an industry do, how they innovate, and how they respond will ultimately shape the future for the sector and the Fijian economy. Ali adds with the commitment and support of industry representatives in the Tourism Recovery Team, they will be able to chart a way forward in making the sector more resilient and profitable.
The government statement says the Tourism Industry’s response needs to be measured and consistent, proportionate to the public health, and based on local risk assessment.
It further says the Tourism Recovery Team will consider the tourism value chain and public and private sector and tourist needs, in line with the World Health Organisation’s overall guidance and recommendations.
The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association CEO, Fantasha Lockington had told Legend FM News last month that the assessment of the industry is that more than 150,000 people are directly or indirectly affected by the drastic drop in visitor arrivals as a result of the global pandemic.
This includes all the businesses connected with the provision of goods and services when we have tourists in the country.
