The Tourism Sector Contributes To Fiji’s Plan For Improved Climate Services

The SPTO alongside the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism and the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association represented the tourism sector at the recent stakeholder consultation organised by the  Ministry of Disaster Management & Meteorological Services and partners at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel, Suva from 21^st – 23^rd February 2018.

The event was an opportunity for the Fiji Meteorological Services to share information with different sectors on the services and information they provide on a regular basis.  This being a two-way process, stakeholders were asked to share their perspectives on the current climate information available, identify gaps in the services provided and recommend ways that such information can be better presented and delivered.

For the tourism sector, the consultation was a good opportunity to bring to light the need for simple, localised and timely information that the industry, policy makers and partners of the sector can use for planning and decision making. It also called for closer collaboration amongst all agencies involved in getting the information out on time especially during severe weather.  Clarity was also sought on the national emergency processes and the need to effectively engage the media and capitalising on social media channels in order to reach the last mile.

The consultation is part of the Pacific’s contribution to achieving the objectives of the Global Framework for Climate Services which aims to enable societies to better manage the risks from short and long term changes in the climate especially those who are most at risk.  The event was also attended by the health, energy, sugar, education and the agricultural sectors amongst others. It was made possible with funding support from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Environment Canada.