2017 has been named as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism by the UN World Tourism Organisation.
Why? The goal of the year is to recognise and celebrate the huge impact that tourism has on our world: on our environment, on our societies, and on the global economy.
More specifically, the objective is to celebrate the difference we can all make, as travellers, in making sure that the impact of travel and tourism is positive in these three areas.
The truth is we have quite a way to go but there is also a huge opportunity.
I share with you some highlights of my recent road trip to the Western region of Fiji, specifically to the Town of Ba via Kings Road.
As I travel from the capital Suva in the central region of Fiji, the environment looks so different. I have been a frequent traveller along the Kings Road since I was a kid and I have experienced the changing climate from then until today. I notice how the drought (Climate change) has really affected these areas.
The environment looks so brown instead of where there was usually green. Especially in the area called Yaqara where cattle farming is a common sight, it looks like the cattle are surviving mostly on the sun-dried grass.
However, it was good to see some positive sights along the way and villagers working hard to earn some cash for their family. You will see the beautiful Fijian ladies selling mangoes along the roadside to earn cash inorder to cater to their family needs.
And of course, you will not miss the beautiful scenery as you will travel along the Sun Coast region especially the Tomb of the most famous cannibal in Fiji – UdreUdre!
Author: Rohit Rex
