SUNBIZ

Vision for Regional Tourism: PM

The 30th United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Joint Commission Meeting for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (CSA) begins today at the
18 Jun 2018 10:00
Vision for Regional Tourism: PM
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

The 30th United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Joint Commission Meeting for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (CSA) begins today at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi.

The meeting which ends on Wednesday is in conjunction with the UNWTO Regional Seminar on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism Development.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in a message that was prepared before he left for Climate Change talks in Germany and later in Brussels to the delegates attending the big meeting  said: “The economic engine of global tourism has changed the lives of millions of people across the Asia-Pacific region.

“It has brought jobs, it has brought opportunity and it has forged people-to-people ties between our citizens that have made our entire region stronger and more connected.

“As UNWTO partners, we are all committed to the pursuit of responsible, ethical and sustainable tourism development in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We’ve set out a vision for regional tourism growth that strikes a balance between development and sustainability, but we must continue to acknowledge and adapt to the impact that emerging global challenges can have on tourism in our region.”

Mr Bainimarama highlighted like in any industry, none of us can afford the costs of short-sighted development.

“That is why we are especially delighted to host the Regional Seminar on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism Development.

“Because our natural environment – and the beauty and bounty it holds – is critical to our national development, the livelihoods of our people and the health of any tourism industry.

“Not only is Fiji the hub of tourism and connectivity in the Pacific, in many ways we are on the cutting edge of resilient and sustainable tourism developments that support a growing tourism industry.      “We are a nation blessed with pristine natural beauty, and we take the health and protection of our natural environment extremely seriously, taking great care to ensure that no development in Fiji comes at the expense of the overall health of our environment.

“We are also a nation on the frontlines of climate change, a global challenge that carries serious consequences for tourism industries in countries around the world, and for the well-being and security of every global citizen.

“In Fiji, we are doing what is necessary to adapt our economy to worsening climate impacts, and abroad we have taken the lead in the global campaign against climate change as President of COP23.

“During the COP23 negotiations in Bonn, Germany last year, we led the global community to make serious progress for the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the accessibility of adaptation funding for vulnerable nations around the world, among other historic achievements.

“We are looking forward to hosting all of you in Fiji for the UNWTO Joint CAP-CSA Meeting and the Regional Seminar, where we can discuss and share our development approaches to achieve responsible and sustainable tourism development.

“Of course, we in Fiji look forward to offering you all a very warm Fijian welcome and to showing you the hospitality that we are famous for around the world.

“We hope you take the time to explore what we have to offer here in Fiji, experience our natural beauty and spend time among our people.”

Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is expected to officiate at the meeting today.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj

 

 

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