Fijian Tourism Industry Praised

Fiji is a fantastic example of biodiversity and sustainable development with a clear vision on how to develop tourism.

United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili during the farewell ceremony on Tuesday night at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa said the 22 countries who attended the two-day conference were overwhelmed with Fiji’s hospitality and its tourism development.

The delegates for the 30th Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia were treated to a night of cultural items by some member countries.

“God bless this fantastic country and its fantastic people.

“We are thrilled to be in paradise and we will never forget this visit,” Mr Pololikashvili.

“We have seen how tourism has connected people.

“We will be back for more meetings,” Mr Pololikashvili said.

“All countries represented at the conference were given a chance to share their ideas towards the development on tourism bases on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development.”

Mr Pololikashvili said these ideas would be taken back to the UNWTO headquarters and then they will liaise with the countries from there on tourism development.

Meanwhile, Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Siddiq Koya in his farewell speech said Fiji’s co-operation with UNWTO and its member states were now stronger than ever before.

“Fiji plans to play host to more of UNWTO meetings, seminars and dialogues in the coming months, if we are given the opportunity.

“The two days have been very constructive, and we have had effective outcomes for the consideration by all member states.

“On this occasion there have been many firsts.”

“This was the UNWTO Secretary-General’s first Joint Commission meeting, it was the first time for the Pacific region to host a UNWTO meeting and it has been the first time for Fiji to host. “

Yesterday the delegates visited Viseisei Village where they were accorded a traditional welcome ceremony and then treated to lunch.

Later the VIP delegates were taken on a boat to Tavarua Island to visit the giant clam sanctuary and the remaining delegates spent a day at Malamala Island.

[Source: Fiji Sun Online]

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