Identified for its pristine seashores, azure waters, and luxurious resorts, Fiji has lengthy been a preferred vacation spot within the world tourism market, attracting vacationers from throughout the globe. Nevertheless, the Pacific island nation is embarking on a transformative shift, redefining its tourism panorama to prioritize sustainability, tradition, and neighborhood empowerment.
Held in partnership with Tourism Fiji from 20-22 November 2024, AdventureNEXT Fiji aimed to spotlight the breadth of distinctive experiences, pure wonders, and numerous landscapes the nation has to supply.
The theme of the occasion, “Toso Vata,” which suggests “to maneuver collectively” embodies the essence of Fijian tradition and the normal Fijian philosophy that encourages working collectively communally and serving to each other with out expectation of reward. Lengthy earlier than adventures had been acknowledged as formal actions, this lifestyle fostered a spirit of exploration and innovation. Immediately, it has advanced right into a wealthy tapestry of experiences that enable us to attach deeply with nature, tradition, and language.
Listed here are 5 key takeaways from the occasion that spotlight how the island nation is embedding sustainability into their tourism technique:
Participating Native Communities and Collaboration
With 87% of its land owned by Indigenous communities, Fiji’s journey tourism trade is inherently tied to native engagement and collaboration. Marita Manley, Firm Director of Talanoa Treks, emphasised this connection on stage at AdventureNEXT Fiji stating, “tourism must be run by communities.” This strategy ensures journey tourism not solely respects cultural heritage however integrates native data and experience at each stage of growth.
Tourism is vastly essential for Fiji’s financial system, contributing round 40% of the nation’s GDP. As Fiji diversifies their tourism providing, the vacation spot is aiming to draw the precise sort of vacationer: one who aligns with the choices and skills of the communities, creating experiences that aren’t solely enriching for guests however manageable for the native communities. Throughout a neighborhood panel dialogue, Eroni Puamau, Group Common Supervisor of Rosie Journey Group, highlighted the significance of tailoring tourism to suit neighborhood readiness. “There must be a greatest match for the kind of tourism that may come into the communities.”
Preserving Tradition By means of Follow
Fiji’s cultural heritage is a big a part of the island’s identification. Whether or not experiencing a kava ceremony or having fun with a standard meal such because the nationwide dish, kokoda, for Fijians, preserving their heritage just isn’t a couple of static show however involvement in traditions and ceremonies. “One of the simplest ways to protect our tradition is observe. Follow is preservation,” stated Ben Semira, Group Liaison and Journey Chief at Talanoa Treks. This philosophy is embraced throughout Fiji’s journey journey trade, the place the acknowledgment and respect for the custom and cultures of Indigenous communities is dominant. Among the recommendation is sensible – such because the significance of utilizing reef-safe sunscreen. However vacationers arriving in Fiji are additionally inspired to strategy their experiences with respect and reverence for the native customs. As Semira reminded the viewers, “We don’t stray away from custom. It’s a should to stay to Indigenous customs.” Vacationers convey with them a accountability to honor the traditions and areas they encounter.
Offering for the Way forward for Fijian Folks
Fiji’s strategy to sustainability extends past tourism – it’s about securing the way forward for its individuals. The Fijian Nationwide Provident Fund (FNPF), the nation’s sole superannuation fund, exemplifies this dedication. Holding the retirement financial savings of all Fijians, the FNPF absolutely owns outstanding resorts, together with the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. “The resort makes use of this as a guiding gentle to be a accountable enterprise operator because the success of the resort advantages all Fijians,” defined Akshay Singh, Portfolio Director of Gross sales & Advertising and marketing at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. This dedication ensures that the financial profit from tourism immediately contributes to the well-being of Fijians, supporting residents right this moment and for generations to come back.
Stability Progress with Sustainability
Fiji is redefining tourism by balancing development with sustainability, guaranteeing its choices align with the readiness and capacities of native communities. By specializing in increasing tourism actions and experiences within the outer islands, Fiji goals to ease the burden on the principle island and distribute financial advantages extra evenly. As a part of this technique to make sure readiness, earlier this 12 months, the ATTA and Tourism Fiji partnered on a three-week AdventureEDU digital coaching course for journey professionals. Eroni shared, “It’s essential to set expectations, many communities are at completely different ranges of growth.” This not solely empowers communities and prevents them turning into overwhelmed, however creates a extra significant expertise for the customer.
The Significance and Worth of Guides
In Fiji, guides play an essential position as each stewards of the atmosphere and cultural ambassadors. Guides aren’t solely answerable for showcasing the fantastic thing about Fiji’s landscapes but in addition for educating travellers concerning the significance of preserving these environments. Their data and storytelling connects guests to the tradition and landscapes of the islands, fostering respect and accountability. As Kasimiro Taukeinikor, Director at Rivers Fiji stated, “we’re protectors of our tradition, persons are coming to see our distinctive landscapes and we have to defend this.”
Throughout many island resorts this dedication extends additional: guides, dive instructors and marine biologists encourage visitors to observe reef-safe snorkeling, accountable wildlife interactions, and spotlight the significance of decreasing plastic waste. By involving the traveler in conservation efforts, people who work within the tourism trade in Fiji want to be certain that journey tourism contributes to the safety of the ecosystems and traditions that draw individuals to its shores.
Study extra about Fiji’s Journey In the direction of Sustainable Journey Journey.