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The Future of Fiji’s Tourism Industry Is Green

Under turquoise seas a unique cornucopia teeming with marine life awaits those lucky enough to holiday in South Pacific nation Fiji.  

Visitors here are welcomed with open arms. Tourism is vital to the lives and livelihoods of everyone in Fiji. Now rebounding strongly after the pandemic forced a virtual shutdown, Fiji’s tourism industry faces a critical challenge: To help drive widespread sustainable prosperity it must both leverage and protect its unique environment, while equipping itself to withstand the worsening ravages of climate change.  

“The only way we can usher a new phase of tourism development is if sustainability is at the heart of it – for the sake of our future generations,” said Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka.  

Tourism-reliant economies like Fiji were among the world’s hardest hit by the pandemic. In a nation of more than 900,000 people, over 200,000 Fijians lost their jobs. The economic impacts were stark: In 2020, Fiji’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth plummeted to a decline of 17 percent .  

Before the pandemic tourism operators Maureen and Rodney Simpson had a thriving business employing 10 people in Savusavu, a resort on Fiji’s second biggest island Vanua Levu. When international borders closed life immediately became a lot more precarious for them and their workers.  

“We had zero income,” Maureen Simpson said. “When tourism re-opened, we renamed ourselves from Dive for Life to Dive Savusavu, basically to advertise Savusavu.  

Reopening and the return of tourists has helped drive a much-needed economic recovery in Fiji. GDP growth is estimated at 15.1 percent in 2022 and to be 5.4 percent in 2023 . The Fiji Bureau of Statistics reported that Fiji’s visitor arrivals for December 2022 surpassed pre-Covid levels with 75,580 visitors landing in Fiji or 102 percent of 2019.  

Now, tourists are returning in good numbers, staying longer, and spending more per day compared to 2019 according to early post-COVID findings of the International Visitors’ Survey, which IFC also supports. And when people come to Fiji for a holiday, they like to return: the healthy bounce is backed by repeat visitors who are half of all arrivals.  

Reefs and Business Come Back To Life  

In Savusavu it’s 10 in the morning and the floating bures dotting the crystal waters in front of the picturesque Koro Sun Resort are still locked up.  

It might seem quiet, but happily, the tourists are back. The latest arrivals are resting after travelling over 16,000 kilometers and 30 hours from the United Kingdom to experience unique diving in Fiji’s “soft coral capital”. Vanua Levu is known for stunning beaches and waters carpeted with jaw-dropping arrays of coral and sea life. Tourists travel there from all over the world to snorkel and dive.  

Close by, the Simpsons are busy directing their workers to check oxygen tanks, dive equipment and snorkeling gear. Like most other tourism operators, they have been busy since borders reopened in 2021.  

“We noticed during these two years when we were closed, our reefs have really come back to life. We also have turtles, hammerhead sharks and even whales around the dive spots – we respect them, and they respect us. And this has been the highlight of our diving,” Maureen Simpson said.  

Promise of a Sustainable Path  

Vanua Levu is part of a long-term vision in Fiji to develop a more diversified and sustainable tourism sector. 

IFC is working with people and groups from across the industry to assist. This includes enabling sustainable, green and climate resilient investments and helping the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MCTA) to develop standards for tourism businesses. IFC is also supporting the MTCA to develop the National Sustainable Tourism Framework. This framework will provide a blueprint and strategy for an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable tourism industry. 

It comes amid a sharp focus on the benefits sustainable development has to offer. Targeting $3 billion Fijian dollars in visitor expenditure by next year, Tourism Fiji’s Corporate Plan for 2022-2024 urges “a strong focus on conserving the special environment that attracts our visitors.”  

Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association CEO, Fantasha Lockington said the renewed focus on sustainability being driven at national level represented a positive shift as “it was previously delivered on far smaller scales by individual businesses. Additionally, that Fiji’s more resilient reefs (to coral bleaching and their remarkable ability to renew themselves) is being recognized globally by marine scientists and ecologists.”   

IFC Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, Judith Green said: “The challenges faced in Fiji and the Pacific are similar to my home country, Jamaica, and the Caribbean Islands. We need to make sure that development, which is needed in the islands, is sustainable and that that it does not harm the environment.” 

Friend and foe  

Like many around the world who live by the ocean, the sea is a critical source of income and food for Fijian islanders. And amid the harmful impacts of climate change, it can also be the greatest threat to their survival.  

Fiji is one of the most world’s most vulnerable nations to climate change and climate-related disasters. People there face a myriad of tipping points from rising sea levels and coastal erosion to depleted fisheries and more frequent and ferocious extreme weather events.

The Simpsons have experienced devastation before. Rodney Simpson says cyclone Winston in 2016 – one of the most severe cyclones to ever hit the South Pacific - damaged 90 per cent of the reefs located five minutes away.  

They saw the coral and ocean regenerate after the onslaught and recognize that their business can play an important role in helping to protect the precious local nature for generations to come. Twice a week, Dive Savusavu hosts a coral and mangrove planting program for children to teach them the importance of conservation.  

It’s just one element of how their business is playing a sustainable role in their local community. Another is by training hundreds of local youths as divers, helping to drive local employment in an environmentally friendly industry.  

With significant numbers of visitors now returning, the Simpsons say it is critical that more is done to protect the natural assets that attract the lifeblood of the economy.  

“If we don't take putting strict measures to protect the reefs, what is going to happen is that we won't have any more reef in future,” said Rodney Simpson.  

“As we much as we need visitors, we must also be mindful to keep our oceans healthy for our future,” he said.

Published on 17 th March 2023

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Tourism plays an important role in the global economy. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), global travel and tourism contributed 10.3 percent to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or around US$8.9 trillion in 2019. The industry is estimated to have supported 330 million jobs which accounted for 10 percent of total jobs worldwide.

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Coastal resource management and tourism development in Fiji Islands: a conservation challenge

• Published: 08 June 2020
• Volume 23 , pages 3009–3027, ( 2021 )

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• Shalini Singh 1 , 2 ,
• Jahangeer A. Bhat   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2451-8499 2   nAff3 ,
• Shipra Shah 2 &
• Nazir A. Pala 4  

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The tourism sector has been a key driver of socioeconomic progress in Fiji Islands since the 1980s, in comparison with other industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Fiji currently plans to further expand its tourism industry into a 2 billion FJD sector, which places great pressure on the coastal environment and resources that attract more than 500,000 tourists per year. Unplanned tourism development has adverse impacts on the environment and dependent communities, which is often attributed to weak governance and poorly enforced regulations. In Fiji, the industry has been recognized as responsible for mangrove clearance and coastal degradation, both of which aggravate problems such as coastline erosion, vulnerability to natural disasters, fish stock declines, poor water quality, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Though the country has national legislations in place, as well as regional and international collaborations to manage its ocean resources, it lacks the capacity and resources to implement environment policy, planning, and regulation. There is a need to strengthen governance and community capacity to address problems of effective enforcement of legislation and ensure the conservation, management, and sustainable utilization of marine and coastal resources.

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Jahangeer A. Bhat

Present address: College of Horticulture and Forestry, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, UP, 284003, India

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Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Lower Laucala Campus, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji

Shalini Singh

College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Fiji National University, Koronivia, Nausori, Fiji

Shalini Singh, Jahangeer A. Bhat & Shipra Shah

Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, Benhama-Watlar, Ganderbal, J&K, 191201, India

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Singh, S., Bhat, J.A., Shah, S. et al. Coastal resource management and tourism development in Fiji Islands: a conservation challenge. Environ Dev Sustain 23 , 3009–3027 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00764-4

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Economic impact of tourism on Fiji's economy: empirical evidence from the computable general equilibrium model

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Tourism is Fiji's largest industry, earning over F$500 million in foreign exchange and employing around 40,000 people. The tourism industry over the last decade has grown at an annual rate of 10-12%. The expansion of tourism, which generates more expenditure in the economy, is likely to have implications for other industries. In this paper, the aim is to delineate the long-run impact of a 10% increase in tourist expenditure on Fiji's economy. To achieve this, the author uses a computable general equilibrium model. Among the key findings are that a 10% increase in tourist expenditure in Fiji will increase GDP by 0.5% and contribute to an improvement in the balance of payments, real consumption will increase by 0.72% and real national welfare will increase by 0.67%. It is also found that an expansion of tourism will lead to an appreciation of the exchange rate, together with an increase in domestic prices and wage rates, and so traditional export sectors will experience a decline in their export competitiveness. In Fiji's case there is evidence that the increases in tourism and non-traditional exports outweigh the fall in non-traditional exports caused by an expansion of tourism.

• Computable general equilibrium models
• Tourism impacts

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• 10.5367/0000000042430971

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• Link to publication in Scopus

T1 - Economic impact of tourism on Fiji's economy

T2 - empirical evidence from the computable general equilibrium model

AU - Narayan, Paresh Kumar

N1 - Copyright: Copyright 2017 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

PY - 2004/12

Y1 - 2004/12

N2 - Tourism is Fiji's largest industry, earning over F$500 million in foreign exchange and employing around 40,000 people. The tourism industry over the last decade has grown at an annual rate of 10-12%. The expansion of tourism, which generates more expenditure in the economy, is likely to have implications for other industries. In this paper, the aim is to delineate the long-run impact of a 10% increase in tourist expenditure on Fiji's economy. To achieve this, the author uses a computable general equilibrium model. Among the key findings are that a 10% increase in tourist expenditure in Fiji will increase GDP by 0.5% and contribute to an improvement in the balance of payments, real consumption will increase by 0.72% and real national welfare will increase by 0.67%. It is also found that an expansion of tourism will lead to an appreciation of the exchange rate, together with an increase in domestic prices and wage rates, and so traditional export sectors will experience a decline in their export competitiveness. In Fiji's case there is evidence that the increases in tourism and non-traditional exports outweigh the fall in non-traditional exports caused by an expansion of tourism.

AB - Tourism is Fiji's largest industry, earning over F$500 million in foreign exchange and employing around 40,000 people. The tourism industry over the last decade has grown at an annual rate of 10-12%. The expansion of tourism, which generates more expenditure in the economy, is likely to have implications for other industries. In this paper, the aim is to delineate the long-run impact of a 10% increase in tourist expenditure on Fiji's economy. To achieve this, the author uses a computable general equilibrium model. Among the key findings are that a 10% increase in tourist expenditure in Fiji will increase GDP by 0.5% and contribute to an improvement in the balance of payments, real consumption will increase by 0.72% and real national welfare will increase by 0.67%. It is also found that an expansion of tourism will lead to an appreciation of the exchange rate, together with an increase in domestic prices and wage rates, and so traditional export sectors will experience a decline in their export competitiveness. In Fiji's case there is evidence that the increases in tourism and non-traditional exports outweigh the fall in non-traditional exports caused by an expansion of tourism.

KW - Computable general equilibrium models

KW - Tourism impacts

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=10644292110&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.5367/0000000042430971

DO - 10.5367/0000000042430971

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:10644292110

SN - 1354-8166

JO - Tourism Economics

JF - Tourism Economics

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

‘First line of defence’: mangroves – and mitigation - lost in Fiji’s tourism development

Mangroves, vital in protecting villages from environmental disasters, have been destroyed to build luxury hotels

• The price of paradise? Read our series on the environmental impact of tourism in the Pacific and how new approaches can make a difference

I n the crook of a river near the west coast of Fiji sits Yavusania village. One day soon, if nothing is done to help, residents fear it will disappear. The threat is most obvious along the water’s edge, where successive flash floods have surged up a river once sheltered by mangrove forests, chewing away metres of soil and sand so trees left behind are held up by only a handful of roots.

Epeli Turuva, a 48-year-old community leader in Yavusania, sits near the weathered concrete foundations of an old home, half of which appears to have collapsed into the water below. It is not the only house to have done so: four other buildings have also collapsed during floods over the last few years , the most recent of which hit in March.

Turuva worries his home will be next. “I don’t want to move,” he says. “Our land is rich, and our community is very close-knit. It’s hard to imagine life without this village.”

Yavusania is on the edge of the Fijian town of Nadi. Over the past four decades, at least 54 floods have surged through Nadi, damaging homes, businesses and displacing thousands of people, according to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). At the same time, Fiji has allowed tourism developers to clear the mangrove forests nearby that once limited the damage caused by floods – leaving Yavusania more vulnerable to environmental disaster.

The thick, curling roots of mangroves are not picturesque and obstruct access to the water, but they play a vital role in nature and for communities. Shipra Shah, assistant professor of forestry at Fiji National University, explains that mangroves are the “first line of defence” against floods in Fiji as they shield residents from storm surges and disperse flash floods as they flow through rivers.

“People don’t realise that if you’re destroying mangroves, you’re making the climate issue worse,” Shah says.

Building a tourist paradise

In recent decades, Fiji has seized on tourism as a pathway to economic development. “The strategy is all about presenting Fiji as a Pacific paradise to get more tourists into the country,” says Andreas Neef, professor of development studies at the University of Auckland.

According to a report by the UNDRR, as part of that strategy, in the 1980s and 1990s Fiji began offering international hotel chains an “attractive package of incentives, including tax-free status for 20 years” to encourage them to invest in Denarau Island, several kilometres west of Nadi.

As hotels signed up for places within the resort, developers cleared hundreds of acres of land. Despite being “a very effective natural buffer” against storms and floods, the UNDRR report found that much of the mangroves were destroyed “as these plants interfered with tourists’ access to the sea and did not mesh with the new vision of a highly manicured landscape.”

Denarau Island was transformed into a tourist hub with a collection of five-star hotels operated by brands including Marriott, Hilton and Wyndham, as well as an 18-hole golf course, shopping malls and a marina.

Neeraj Chadha, Marriott’s Pacific Islands vice president, says the hotel chain is “as good as anyone could be in the sustainability space.” Chadha says Marriott, which also owns the Sheraton brand of hotels, often participates in mangrove planting efforts and notes: “We have done a lot with the community, ranging from employment to putting a farm together.” He adds that after recent floods, Marriott provided sheets, mattresses and financial aid to affected residents.

Hilton, Wyndham and Sofitel did not respond to questions.

‘Vital’ to mitigating climate change

Government data indicates that tourists to Fiji spend almost half their time in Denarau, Nadi and the nearby Mamanuca Islands, which has made the region an economic powerhouse. Tourism now contributes almost 40% to Fiji’s GDP.

Between 2000 and 2018, a study found that 120 hectares of mangroves were destroyed by tourism development in Ba province, where Nadi is located: a third of all mangrove deforestation in the region.

The study, published in the Environmental Challenges journal, notes mangroves “store disproportionate amounts of carbon ... and protect coastal communities against the impacts of tropical cyclones.” It adds: “They are therefore vital in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.”

Meanwhile, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said in 2019 that people in Nadi “are already being affected by climate change” and noted that both extreme rainfall and flooding have become more frequent in recent decades.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said of the 84 floods to hit Nadi since 1870, at least 54 have occurred in the last four decades. Two of the most damaging floods to hit Nadi occurred in 2012, killing at least eight people and forcing 15,000 to evacuate.

The UNDRR report said while the area around Denarau has always been flood-prone, in recent years “the incidence of severe floods has increased remarkably”. The growing frequency and impact of these floods “may be considered partially an effect of climate change”, said the UNDRR report, “but the Denarau development can also be considered a key aggravating factor”.

Mangrove deforestation around Denarau “could be a contributing factor” to more damaging flooding, agrees Nezbitt Hazelman, the general manager of Denarau Corporation, which manages the island. “That’s common sense.” Hazelman says, however, that the development has been a net positive given the economic activity it has generated. Many villagers in Nadi support the development, which has brought significant numbers of jobs to the region.

Vulnerable to disaster

In 2016, the Fijian government proposed a flood alleviation plan for Nadi, including widening nearby rivers, improving drainage and constructing several dykes. In 2022, Fiji began to dredge some local rivers to try and address the issue, but Fiji’s former economy minister told the country’s parliament that year the pandemic had significantly delayed the wider alleviation project, which remains largely in the planning stage. Fiji’s minister for tourism and minister for waterways did not respond to requests for comment.

In the meantime, little has been done to protect the villages. In 2019, the ADB found : “Despite the high frequency and consequent damage caused by floods, only small scale bank protection and small retention dams have been constructed [and] a systematic flood management plan for the Nadi River catchment is yet to be implemented.”

Without new protections, Nadi will remain highly vulnerable. Much of the settlement lies six metres below sea level. During the flooding in March, water inundated the central part of Nadi and surged into buildings. At the time, Nadi town council’s CEO said the flood waters forced 80% of businesses to close.

Meanwhile, from the riverbank in Yavusania, Meresiana Ubitu, another resident, watches the water that threatens her home.

“Within the last five years, four families have lost their houses to soil erosion, swept away by the flood,” Ubitu says.

“We’re wondering why this is happening. We never used to have this problem before, so why now?” And she asks: “Who will help us?”

• Pacific islands
• The price of paradise?
• Deforestation
• Asia Pacific
• Climate crisis
• Extreme weather

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Fijians affected by tourism job losses recover from pandemic

May 24, 2022.

Meresiana Salauca, Naidi Village, Savusavu (Photo: UNDP)

Meresiana Salauca of Naidi village in Savusavu, Fiji, was one of the unfortunate workers laid off from one of the resorts on the island - as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit Fiji with its first wave in 2020. The 56-year-old is a single mother of two, who worked as a massage therapist at the resort, had saved $500 and used it to start a canteen business.

Soon after, the Fijian government announced the COVID-19 Concessional Support Package for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) through which she qualified and received a $3,000 grant to continue her business operations. However, things did not go as planned because she was operating during one of Fiji's darkest periods, when borders were closed, and movement was restricted.

Meresiana was overcome with emotion as she shared her experience at the Financial Literacy Training and seedling distribution, in the villages of Naidi, Waivunia and Vivili between 2-10 May 2022. “Many times, I wanted to close my canteen because there were so many credit requests, but thankfully, my children kept encouraging me to keep going. I'm grateful for their support and encouragement and this training has taught me how to budget my finances, particularly for families, because there is a lot of money committed to village obligations, but I have learnt that even saving $5 is a very good strategy,” she said. Ms. Salauca worked as a Japanese translator for the Freebird Institute in Namaka, Nadi, before entering the tourism industry.

Funded by the UN Development Programme’s Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) COVID-19 recovery assistance project , the financial literacy training was conducted by the Financial Management Counsellors Association of Fiji (FMCA) - a group of financial and business management bankers with community development expertise. The support also included the distribution of vegetable seedlings, agricultural resource materials, and IT equipment such as a multimedia projector, pull-up screen, and hard drive to the villages to enable online learnings and workshops.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on these villages, resulting in job losses, reduced hours, and loss of livelihood.

Vika Teki, Waivunia Village, Savusavu (Photo: UNDP)

68-year-old Vika Teki of Waivunia village is a handicraft maker with more than a decade of experience. She was also greatly impacted by the pandemic because she was heavily reliant on tourists visiting the hidden paradise to buy her handicrafts, which included necklaces, mats, baskets, and bracelets, among other things.

"I relied heavily on this business, but since the borders closed and there were no tourists, I couldn't make or sell any more. So, during the lockdown, we had to find alternative source of income, such as fishing, but now that the borders have reopened, business is gradually returning to normal."

She also runs a catering business, where she teaches other village women how to bake and encourages them not to rely solely on one source of income. 

Ruveni Barrack, Vivili Village, Savusavu (Photo: UNDP)

Ruveni Barrack, a massage therapist by profession who now runs his own Massage Therapy Academy in Savusavu said the MPTF COVID-19 Recovery Assistance came at a time when they needed it the most, especially coming out of a very dark period, and it has encouraged them to be business minded. “I am grateful to UNDP for bringing this training to Vivili because it has encouraged me to continue training Fijians interested in becoming massage therapists in our hotels and to expand this business. This training has taught me that family comes first and that it is critical to involve family in decision making.” Mr. Barrack is also a farmer who sells root crops and vegetables during harvest to nearby resorts, restaurants in town, and the Savusavu Municipal Market with hopes to expand his farming business and raise more capital with the eight varieties of vegetable seedlings he received. 

60 participants from the financial literacy training held at Naidi village, Savusavu. (Photo: UNDP)

A whole family approach was used during the financial literacy training to encourage the 200 participants to appreciate and leverage the knowledge and skills of members of their families when managing and planning their finances. Of the 200 participants, 76 of them were women.

The training was aimed to strengthen the financial competencies of the individuals who will have a direct impact on their families, educate farmers about financial services, allowing them to make better informed decisions about managing family finances and how to move forward following the effects of COVID-19 on their family, business, and income.

Participants at Waivunia village with their certificates and seedlings. (Photo: UNDP)

For more information, please contact:

Akosita Talei, Inclusive Growth - Communications and Research Officer, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Email:  [email protected]

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Fiji’s sustainable tourism evolution | Navigating a path forward

Listen to this article:

Destination Fiji’s captivating beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality have long made it a favoured destination for global travellers.

A profound transformation in the realm of tourism has been observed through a comprehensive analysis of data spanning 2019 and 2022, showcasing the evolving landscape of sustainable tourism in Fiji.

Conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), the 2022 Fiji International Visitor Survey (IVS) has been realized in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector division of the World Bank Group.

After a hiatus brought about by the disruptions caused by COVID-19 on global travel in 2020 and 2021, the survey was reinstated in 2019.

This report unfortunately only captures the period from April to December in the calendar year 2022 which was by when data had commenced being collected.

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, Fiji emerges as a beacon of sustainable tourism for several reasons – key amongst these has been that sustainability was already being practiced as a matter of necessity.

This gave way to it becoming part of regular operations and eventually included in marketing efforts as the recognition of its importance gained popularity.

And was further boosted by the global lockdown suddenly awakening to the need to care for our environment much better than we were already.

The pristine landscapes and vibrant marine ecosystems that attracted 636,312 international visitors in 2022 remain at the heart of Fiji’s allure; a critical part of the reopening framework post border closures that curated Fiji’s ability to deliver nature and cultural-based tourism with equal ease.

The country’s commitment to preserving these natural treasures has translated into a growing interest among travellers seeking ecotourism experiences, tinged no doubt with more than a little guilt that they have been unable to contribute better in their own countries.

We obviously don’t mind assuaging this guilt by doing what we can because this helps us as well.

While leisure trips continue to account for a significant portion of visits, Fiji is witnessing a notable shift towards sustainable motivations for travel – the deep need to reconnect with nature, with people and with cultures works well to provide the majority of visitors looking to unwind, refresh, and find mental and physical wellness.

That Fiji can offer all these things while taking care of children because of our innate sense of family and nurturing, is an additional bonus that has served the destination since tourism started more than 70 years ago.

The 2022 IVS data also revealed a surge in travellers attending conferences, educational programs, and cultural events; showing a more rapid return of many segments that tourism industries globally assumed would take a longer time to return.

This shift underscores the growing consciousness among visitors to engage in meaningful experiences that contribute positively to local communities and ecosystems.

Giving back or being part of initiatives that leaves an environment better off gives many visitors both satisfaction, as well as a deeper need to return to do more later.

Intriguing shifts in the origins of visitors further highlight the fusion of sustainable practices and travel. Australians, New Zealanders, and Americans dominated the tourist landscape, collectively constituting 89 per cent of all visitors in 2022.

This geographical diversity also indicates that Fiji’s sustainable message resonates globally, transcending borders and cultures and appealing to younger demographics that might not have initially considered Fiji as a preferred holiday destination.

But we also tick many other important boxes for these environment conscious travellers.

These include destination proximity, a choice of products and price points to decide between complete isolation or semiluxury that comes with a closeness to amenities and supplies.

Sustainable tourism extends to expenditure patterns, illuminating a conscious effort by visitors to align their spending with eco-friendly choices.

The data unveiled a transformation in expenditure trends between 2019 and 2022 now up around 8 per cent.

Visitors in 2022 dedicated higher spending to post-arrival goods and services, emphasizing their commitment to supporting local businesses and contributing to Fiji’s sustainable development.

This is pre-empted by a wider understanding that anything they spend, especially with SMEs, goes directly to support families and communities. Fiji’s tourism sector, like many others, faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic.

However, the recovery has been underscored by a commitment to holistic sustainable practices.

Practices that are often driven by necessity because you must protect your investment that is tied inexorably to the environment around you, added to which have been hard learnt experiences that have taught the industry to pay careful attention to climate change, changing weather patterns and “doing the right thing” to ensure the viability of the business into the future.

Investments in health and safety protocols have been seamlessly integrated with environmental stewardship, ensuring that the nation’s economic revival is in harmony with its natural surroundings.

This may have been our hardest lesson, but one that continues to drive how important safety is; whether physical, mental or medical. The blueprint for Fiji’s tourism future therefore is being meticulously crafted through the lens of sustainability.

We have after all, the ability as a smaller, more agile player to learn from far more sophisticated destinations who have made bigger mistakes and are trying hard to roll these back.

We have a location that is surrounded by an ocean that is central to our people’s futures and wellbeing – still not fully developed, but carefully navigating the path between being beholden to funding from larger neighbours and a selfsufficiency that will reflect who we are as developing Pacific Island countries.

Harnessing the power of renewable energy sources, minimizing single-use plastics, and empowering local communities through responsible tourism practices are the cornerstones of this transformative journey.

But each of these elements come with defining how they impact us as an island nation where not everyone has access to supportive training and development, and that often means we operate at different levels depending on the size, location and sophistication of the business operation, community or stakeholder.

Fiji’s commitment to sustainable tourism is not only reshaping the travel experience but also setting a new global standard for responsible exploration.

Having an unwavering dedication to sustainable tourism might serve as a global beacon of inspiration but this effort is neither simple nor easily accepted. It requires progressive effort to drive home the need to be consistent, to maintain standards and work towards a national plan or goal.

This is national effort is also being addressed through the drafting of the National Sustainable Tourism Framework that is well underway.

While the numbers reveal the economic benefits, we also hope they illuminate the path toward a more resilient and harmonious future, if we can continue to drive these best practices, are able to lift our service standards given the current churn of human resources and constant loss of skills to the overseas labour schemes, and maintain our price points to ensure we remain competitive.

Through preservation, education, and mindful exploration, Fiji is demonstrating that tourism can be a force for good, fostering growth while safeguarding the environment and cultural heritage.

But this sustainability voyage needs a wider and more national approach if we want to move forward with better resilience, innovation and hope for a better future.

This also means we make businesses and individuals more accountable when they do not practice sustainability or are proven to have actually damaged the environment.

By aligning economic prosperity with environmental stewardship, Fiji can steer its tourism industry toward a brighter horizon, where every traveller’s footstep contributes to the nation’s progress and this in turn drives more visitors our way.

In a world seeking ways to heal and rebuild, our journey offers a roadmap for other destinations to follow—a blueprint for sustainable, responsible, and remarkable travel experiences.

As Fiji strides forward, its sustainable tourism legacy can be better recognised and even emulated.

By embracing this transformative narrative, we are not only safeguarding our natural beauty but also inspiring travellers and the global community to embark on a collective journey toward a more sustainable, equitable, and harmonious world.

• Fantasha Lockington is the CEO of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association and the views expressed are not necessarily those of The Fiji Times. To share a comment or thoughts on the article, please send an email to [email protected]. fj.

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THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN FIJI

2021, International Conference on COVID -19 Studies Istanbul , Turkey

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a humanitarian disaster that affects almost every business worldwide and triggering an economic crisis globally. The pandemic has affected the foreign exchange earnings and influenced various regional developments and job opportunities. Therefore, this research was undertaken to understand Fiji's situation in this COVID-19 pandemic and examine the country's effect on the tourism and hospitality industry. Multiple approaches were adopted to conduct this study. The secondary data were used from various governments, tourism, and hospitality websites. The study findings showed that nearly 900,000 tourists arrived on Fiji shores representing an overall growth of 4.2 per cent for 2018-2019. In 2019, Fiji's tourism revenue was just over Fijian dollar (FJD) 3 billion, comprising FJD 2,080 million in total tourism earnings and FJD 958 million in the provision of air passenger services. The pandemic has forced people to use their retirement funds early as they needed to make a living. Fiji national provident fund confirmed that 86,854 applications were lodged. Seventy-seven thousand five hundred seven applications had been processed with FJD 49.1 million paid out. The Reserve Bank of Fiji revealed FJD 54.2 million was paid to members on phase one. In contrast, FJD 17.5 million was paid in phase two over ten weeks which is alarming as it's the reserved revenue for the people who will retire in future; thus, the effect of covid will be felt by the people in years to come. A future study can be carried out on developing models that would help the industry overcome any pandemic situation.

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Thiago do Val Simardi Beraldo Souza

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global impact on the tourism sector. With tourism numbers dramatically reduced, millions of jobs could be lost, and progress made in equality and sustainable economic growth could be rolled back. Widespread reports of dramatic changes to protected and conserved 1 area visitation have negative consequences for conservation finances, tourism businesses and the livelihoods of people who supply labour, goods and services to tourists and tourism businesses. This paper aims to share experiences from around the world on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on protected area tourism; and considers how to build resilience within protected area tourism as a regenerative conservation tool.

Dr Amlan Ghosh

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented crisis for the tourism economy. The global supply chain has stopped and the movement of people has been at a halt globally along with all economic activities. Tourism is a labour-intensive sector which contributes in large part in the GDP of the countries and supports an extensive job market directly and indirectly throughout the world. This policy paper highlights the impact of this pandemic on tourism worldwide and in India and focuses on the strategies to address the problems faced by the India tourism Industry. This paper highlights the stakeholders' approach and suggests a Region-based tourism policy to improve the present crisis.

Razia Sultana

International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology (IJERT)

IJERT Journal

https://www.ijert.org/the-effects-of-nobel-corona-virus-covid-19-in-the-tourism-industry-in-india https://www.ijert.org/research/the-effects-of-nobel-corona-virus-covid-19-in-the-tourism-industry-in-india-IJERTV9IS050618.pdf The purpose of this paper work is to examine the extent to which an epidemic of 2020 such as Covid-19 can affect the global tourism industry and perform estimates of the destruction to world tourism. The statistical data from the renowned and trustworthy data sources have been collected to realize the effect of the Corona Virus on the world Tourism industry. China where the epidemic started, but also India, where fresh cases are continuously being reported, both is no longer tourist destinations, till May 14 2020. Potential tourists tend to reschedule or stop their plans for a terminus that is plagued by a pandemic. Because of pandemics, tourists cancel their travels avoiding suspicious places and individuals. Such categories of pandemics disturb straight industries such as tourism and retail service sector. In 2019, a total of 29, 28,303 tourist arrived on e-Tourist Visa. The economic consequences of this outbreak will be serious and they will cause harms not only to the tourist destinations with an important concentration of cases but also at a worldwide level. A comparable case was the outbreak of SARS in 2002. Tourism is presently one of the greatest pretentious segments and the World Tourism Organization has studied its 2020 forecast for international arrivals and receipts, though it highlights that such predictions are likely to be further revised. The United Nations dedicated agency for tourism assumes that international tourist arrivals will be downcast by 20% to 30% in 2020 when compared with 2019 figures.

Shohel Md. Nafi

The aim of the study was to examine the consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism. Qualitative analysis was adopted, whereas data were collected from secondary sources like journals, newspapers, statistical data obtained from international to urism organizations, and websites on COVID-19 incidences in tourism. Due to the outbreak, it had a severe adverse impact on tourism and employment. Airlines have canceled flights, and hotels are almost vacant; thus, supporting tourism agencies face substantial economic losses and employ ment cuts. This study develops a framework with a recovery plan for future tourism across a slogan: putting people first and travel tomorrow.

Journal of Tourism and Gastronomy Studies

Dr. Burhanettin Zengin

This study aims to investigate the effects of the coronavirus epidemic on hospitality industry. In the study, evaluations were made by taking into consideration both the guest statistics and the opinions of the managers of the business. The analysis was done with the help of Excel and MAXQDA programs. As a result of the analysis, serious decreases were observed in both the group and individual sales in the overnight stay, income, incoming guests and occupancy rates of the business after the outbreak of the epidemic. The epidemic also affected the business in the short term in terms of crisis management and psychology. This study is one of the field studies showing the repercussions of the coronavirus on tourism with the help of data. It also provides an insight into how hospitality businesses are acting in such a crisis situation. Therefore, the work is considered to have an important place in the literature.

Vijayakumar A B

S e s h a d r i p u r a m R e s e a r c h F o u n d a t i o n P o s t G r a d u a t e D e p a r t m e n t o f C o m m e r c e a n d M a n a g e m e n t S e s h a d r i p u r a m F i r s t

International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Adewale E . ADEGORIOLA

This paper is a timely examination of the novel Corona Virus (Covid-19) that is currently ravaging the entire world. The main objective of this research is to study the impact of this global pandemic on the aviation sector in Nigeria. The methodology adopted is basically qualitative, explorative and analytical in nature, involving the use of secondary data via journal publications, government official documents, health authorities' data and internet materials. This due to the fact that the virus is novel and very recent. The study found out that the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown the entire global economic, political and social systems into turmoil. The Nigerian economy and aviation sector in particular, has been in a meltdown, which had been thrown into a huge crisis. Some of the negative impacts of the scourge on the Nigerian aviation industry include closure of airports and banning of flights, increasing industry debt profile, negative impact on tourism, increased competitive pricing and severe loss of jobs. In terms of future prognosis, it will be quite a while before the sector recovers and whenever it reopens , the most immediate visible change will be social distancing, touch less travel with passengers needing to be fit to travel. The turnaround time for local and international travels will increase as aircraft will be need to sanitize each time the planes land. Furthermore, there will be increased movement towards the digital space and most of the flight operations will be on digital platforms.

Annual Review of Territorial Governance in the Western Balkans

Rudina Toto , Marjan Nikolov , Merita Toska (Boka) , Besmira Dyca , Milan Husar

During the last few decades, extreme weather events and global and regional economic crises have been forcing us to rethink the way that governments approach territorial development. The inherent links between social, economic, and ecological systems are proving to be increasingly signicant, and exist only in a complex whole characterised by multiple feedbacks (Berkes et al. 2002). In this light, managing the relationship between the social, economic, and ecological aspects of development is of paramount importance for those interested in establishing sustainable development trajectories in the long-run. This is particularly true since the COVID-19 pandemic has added further entropy to the picture of socio-ecological interactions. During the early stages of the pandemic, decision making, regulations, and communication had converged at the national level. However, throughout the course of the pandemic, there has been growing room for improvement in policy-making. As such, there is a need to rethink development objectives and their governance according to a new long-term perspective – one that takes better account of dierent issues and needs. Key concepts such as multi-level governance, place-based development, circular economy, and the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals can all help Western Balkan countries to achieve a better quality of life while preserving productivity, social inclusion, and the environment (Cotella and Vitale Brovarone, 2020).

Policy Center for the New South

Otaviano Canuto

COVID-19 brought the global economy to a sudden stop, causing shocks to supply and demand. Starting in January 2020, country after country suffered outbreaks of the new coronavirus, with each facing epidemiological shocks that led to economic and financial shocks as a consequence. How quickly and to what extent will national economies recover after the pandemic has passed? This will depend on success in containing the coronavirus and on exit strategies, as well as on the effectiveness of policies designed to deal with the negative economic effects of the coronavirus. The impact of coronavirus on the global economy will extend beyond 2020. According to forecasts from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, GDP per capita at the end of 2021 is still expected to be lower than December 2019 in most countries. Emerging markets and other developing countries, in addition to facing difficulties in dealing with their own coronavirus outbreaks, have suffered additional shocks from abroad. In their cases, the new coronavirus brought a perfect storm. One can foresee a post-coronavirus global economy marked by higher levels of public and private debt, acceleration in digitization processes, and less globalization.

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• Sustainability

How Ecotourism Helps Fiji

Published: November 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Cathrine Stricker

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Ecotourism has emerged as a sustainable and responsible way to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of our planet. With increasing concerns about climate change and the degradation of ecosystems, ecotourism offers a unique opportunity to promote conservation, community development, and cultural preservation while providing travelers with meaningful and immersive experiences.

In the heart of the South Pacific lies the stunning archipelago of Fiji, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Beyond its idyllic beauty, Fiji has taken significant strides in embracing and promoting ecotourism. The islands offer a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to experience sustainable tourism practices firsthand.

This article explores the concept of ecotourism and its importance in Fiji. We will delve into the economic, environmental, and socio-cultural benefits that ecotourism brings to the region. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges and considerations faced in developing and maintaining a successful ecotourism industry in Fiji.

Ecotourism: Definition and Importance

Ecotourism can be defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local communities, and educates visitors about the importance of environmental conservation. It combines the principles of conservation, community development, and interpretation to offer travelers an immersive and environmentally conscious experience.

The importance of ecotourism cannot be overstated. It provides a sustainable alternative to mass tourism, where the focus is on preserving the natural and cultural heritage of a destination. By engaging in low-impact activities and supporting local communities, ecotourism helps to minimize the negative environmental and socio-cultural impacts that can arise from traditional forms of tourism.

Ecotourism has the power to support conservation efforts by generating funds for habitat preservation and restoration, as well as fostering a sense of appreciation and stewardship for the environment. It also contributes to local economies by creating job opportunities, encouraging the development of small businesses, and promoting community empowerment.

Furthermore, ecotourism offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding. Travelers have the opportunity to engage with local communities, learn about their traditions, and contribute to the preservation of indigenous heritage. By supporting sustainable tourism practices, visitors can help safeguard cultural traditions and promote cultural diversity.

In Fiji, ecotourism plays a vital role in the country’s sustainable development. As a nation highly dependent on its natural resources, Fiji recognizes the importance of balancing economic prosperity with environmental conservation. Ecotourism provides a pathway to foster sustainable tourism practices while preserving the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the islands.

Ecotourism in Fiji: An Overview

Fiji is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral reefs. The country’s commitment to sustainability has made it a prime destination for ecotourism. With its abundance of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Fiji offers a range of eco-friendly activities and experiences for visitors to engage in.

One of the standout features of ecotourism in Fiji is its emphasis on marine conservation. The country is home to some of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse coral reefs. Visitors can explore these underwater wonders through snorkeling, scuba diving, and coral reef restoration activities. The Great Astrolabe Reef, located off the coast of Kadavu Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for eco-conscious travelers.

On land, Fiji offers lush rainforests, waterfalls, and hiking trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s natural beauty. Protected areas such as the Bouma National Heritage Park and Colo-i-Suva Forest Park provide opportunities for wildlife spotting, bird watching, and guided nature walks.

Moreover, ecotourism in Fiji goes beyond environmental conservation. It actively supports the preservation and celebration of Fijian culture. Visitors can engage in traditional village visits, participate in cultural ceremonies, and learn about traditional arts and crafts. This cultural exchange enhances understanding and appreciation of the local way of life, while providing economic opportunities for indigenous communities.

Fiji’s eco-lodges and eco-resorts also contribute to the country’s ecotourism offerings. These establishments prioritize sustainability practices such as energy conservation, waste management, and use of locally-sourced materials. They often employ local staff and provide training and skill development opportunities to the surrounding communities.

Overall, ecotourism in Fiji offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s natural wonders and vibrant culture while making a positive impact. By supporting sustainable tourism initiatives, visitors can contribute to the conservation of Fiji’s fragile ecosystems and the well-being of its local communities.

Economic Benefits of Ecotourism in Fiji

Ecotourism in Fiji brings about numerous economic benefits that contribute to the country’s sustainable development and the well-being of its local communities.

First and foremost, ecotourism generates revenue and job opportunities for Fijians. The industry creates employment in various sectors, including tour guiding, hospitality, transportation, and the production of locally-made goods and souvenirs. This helps to alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living for many individuals and families in Fiji.

Moreover, ecotourism encourages the development of small businesses and entrepreneurship. Local farmers, artisans, and service providers have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to tourists, allowing them to diversify their income sources and stimulate local economies. This inclusive approach ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are extended to a wider cross-section of Fijian society.

Ecotourism also stimulates investments in infrastructure and public services. The demand for sustainable accommodations, eco-friendly transport options, and responsible tour operators drives the development of necessary infrastructure and services. This not only benefits the tourism industry but also improves the overall infrastructure and amenities available to local communities.

In addition, ecotourism promotes the preservation and conservation of Fiji’s natural resources. By valuing and protecting the ecological integrity of the country’s landscapes, ecotourism ensures the sustainability of these resources in the long term. This, in turn, creates a foundation for continued economic growth as Fiji’s natural beauty remains an attractive draw for tourists.

Fiji has taken steps to ensure that the economic benefits of ecotourism are equitably distributed. The country emphasizes community-based tourism, where local communities are involved in decision-making processes, benefit from tourism revenues, and have a say in how their cultural heritage and natural resources are managed. Through initiatives such as the “Bula Exchange,” tourists are encouraged to engage in responsible spending and support local businesses in Fiji.

Overall, ecotourism in Fiji provides significant economic benefits by generating employment, supporting local businesses, stimulating investments, and promoting the preservation of natural resources. By embracing sustainable tourism practices, Fiji has unlocked the potential for inclusive economic growth while safeguarding its unique ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Environmental Benefits of Ecotourism in Fiji

Ecotourism plays a crucial role in the conservation and preservation of Fiji’s remarkable natural beauty and fragile ecosystems. By promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about environmental issues, ecotourism in Fiji offers the following environmental benefits:

1. Conservation of Biodiversity: Fiji is home to a staggering array of biodiversity, including unique plant species and diverse marine life. Ecotourism promotes the protection and preservation of these ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy their beauty. Through initiatives like marine protected areas and responsible guiding practices, ecotourism helps safeguard species and habitats from degradation and destruction.

2. Preservation of Coral Reefs: Fiji’s coral reefs are a marvel of nature, supporting a multitude of marine species and providing essential ecosystem services. Ecotourism emphasizes responsible diving and snorkeling practices to minimize physical damage to coral formations and educate visitors about the importance of reef conservation. Additionally, ecotourism initiatives often include coral restoration projects aimed at rehabilitating damaged reefs and promoting their long-term health.

3. Sustainable Resource Management: Recognizing the finite nature of natural resources, ecotourism in Fiji promotes sustainable resource management practices. This includes responsible water usage, waste management, and energy conservation efforts. By reducing resource consumption and employing eco-friendly technologies, ecotourism minimizes the impact on the environment and contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.

4. Carbon Footprint Reduction: To mitigate the negative effects of climate change, ecotourism in Fiji focuses on reducing carbon footprints. This involves implementing energy-efficient measures, supporting renewable energy sources, and promoting carbon offset programs. By adopting these strategies, the tourism industry in Fiji works towards a low-carbon future while encouraging visitors to make conscious choices that minimize their environmental impact.

5. Environmental Education and Awareness: Ecotourism provides an avenue for raising environmental awareness and promoting education. Through guided nature walks, interpretive tours, and interactive experiences, visitors learn about the importance of conservation and how their actions can make a difference. This knowledge empowers travelers to make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives and advocate for the protection of natural environments in Fiji and beyond.

By prioritizing environmental sustainability, Fiji’s ecotourism industry has become an essential force in protecting and preserving the country’s natural heritage. Through responsible practices, education, and collaboration with local communities, ecotourism fosters a deep appreciation for Fiji’s ecological wonders and ensures their long-term viability.

Socio-cultural Benefits of Ecotourism in Fiji

Ecotourism in Fiji not only promotes environmental conservation but also brings about numerous socio-cultural benefits for local communities and visitors alike. By embracing and celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage, ecotourism offers the following advantages:

1. Cultural Preservation: Fiji is known for its vibrant and diverse indigenous culture. Ecotourism provides a platform for the preservation and celebration of Fijian traditions, customs, and beliefs. Through cultural tours, village visits, and participation in local ceremonies, visitors gain an authentic understanding of Fijian culture while contributing to its preservation. Local communities directly benefit from these activities as they have the opportunity to showcase their customs and generate income through cultural tourism.

2. Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Ecotourism facilitates meaningful interactions between visitors and local communities, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Travelers have the chance to engage with Fijians on a personal level, learn from their unique perspectives, and gain insights into their way of life. These interactions promote mutual respect, break down stereotypes, and create pathways for cultural exchange that contribute to global harmony and understanding.

3. Community Empowerment: By embracing community-based tourism initiatives, ecotourism in Fiji empowers local communities to take control of their own development. It promotes the involvement of community members in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. Local entrepreneurs have the opportunity to establish their businesses, offering authentic experiences and products that help support and sustain the local economy.

4. Poverty Alleviation: Ecotourism provides economic opportunities for communities in remote or rural areas of Fiji, alleviating poverty and reducing income disparities. Through the provision of employment, skills development, and income generation, ecotourism contributes to the overall well-being of local residents. This enables communities to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other essential services that improve their quality of life.

5. Promoting Respect for Indigenous Rights: Ecotourism in Fiji upholds the rights of indigenous communities and supports their continued ownership and management of their lands. By engaging with local communities in a respectful and meaningful way, ecotourism respects and promotes the rights of indigenous peoples to self-determination, cultural preservation, and control over their natural resources.

Through the socio-cultural benefits of ecotourism, Fiji showcases its cultural diversity, promotes understanding between different cultures, and empowers local communities. By supporting community involvement and celebrating indigenous traditions, ecotourism contributes to the cultural resilience and well-being of Fiji’s people.

Challenges and Considerations in Ecotourism Development in Fiji

While ecotourism holds immense potential for sustainable development in Fiji, it also faces several challenges and considerations that need to be addressed to ensure its long-term success:

1. Balancing Conservation and Tourism: Finding the right balance between conservation efforts and tourism development is a continual challenge. It requires careful planning and management to prevent the negative impacts of increased visitation on fragile ecosystems, such as overcrowding, pollution, and habitat degradation. Strategies such as carrying capacity assessments, visitor monitoring, and effective zoning systems are important for maintaining the ecological integrity of Fiji’s natural landscapes.

2. Community Engagement and Benefit Sharing: Ensuring the meaningful engagement of local communities in ecotourism activities and facilitating equitable benefit sharing can be complex. It requires fostering partnerships, providing training and capacity-building opportunities, and ensuring that local communities have a voice in decision-making processes. Sustainable tourism initiatives should prioritize the empowerment and socio-economic well-being of local residents to ensure that they are active participants and beneficiaries of ecotourism development.

3. Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management: Developing sustainable infrastructure that can support ecotourism activities while minimizing environmental impact is crucial. This includes proper waste management systems, energy-efficient facilities, and responsible water usage. It also requires the development and enforcement of regulations to prevent the exploitation of natural resources and mitigate the carbon footprint associated with tourism activities.

4. Climate Change Resilience: Fiji is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and extreme weather events. Addressing the impacts of climate change on ecotourism requires implementing adaptation and resilience strategies. This can involve diversifying tourism activities, promoting eco-friendly practices, and incorporating climate change education and awareness into visitor experiences.

5. Cultural Preservation and Authenticity: As tourism grows, there is a risk of cultural commodification and loss of authenticity. It is important to ensure that the cultural integrity of Fiji’s indigenous communities is respected and preserved. This can be achieved through mutually respectful relationships between visitors and locals, appropriate cultural education, and responsible tourism practices that prioritize cultural sensitivity.

6. Monitoring and Regulation: Effective monitoring and regulation play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability and integrity of ecotourism in Fiji. Regular assessments of environmental and socio-cultural impacts, along with enforcement of regulations and codes of conduct, are necessary to maintain high standards of sustainability and accountability within the industry.

By addressing these challenges and considering the long-term implications of ecotourism development, Fiji can establish a thriving and sustainable ecotourism industry that preserves its natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.

Ecotourism in Fiji offers a powerful vehicle for sustainable development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. As a nation blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes and a vibrant cultural heritage, Fiji has recognized the potential of ecotourism to create economic opportunities while preserving its unique ecosystems and cultural traditions.

Through its emphasis on responsible travel and low-impact activities, ecotourism in Fiji provides visitors with immersive and meaningful experiences. It supports local communities by generating employment, promoting entrepreneurship, and stewarding cultural traditions. The economic benefits of ecotourism extend to investments in infrastructure and public services, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the country.

Furthermore, ecotourism plays a vital role in the protection and conservation of Fiji’s natural resources. By raising awareness, promoting sustainable resource management, and fostering the preservation of biodiversity, ecotourism ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy Fiji’s unparalleled beauty.

However, the development of ecotourism in Fiji is not without its challenges. Balancing tourism with conservation, ensuring community engagement and benefit sharing, and addressing climate change impacts require careful planning and collaboration. Sustainable infrastructure, cultural preservation, and effective monitoring and regulation also need to be prioritized to ensure the long-term success of ecotourism in Fiji.

In conclusion, ecotourism in Fiji has the potential to create a harmonious partnership between nature, culture, and sustainable development. By embracing responsible travel practices, investing in community empowerment, and prioritizing environmental conservation, Fiji can establish itself as a global leader in ecotourism. Through responsible and holistic approaches, Fiji can continue to thrive as a premier destination for eco-conscious travelers, while safeguarding its natural and cultural treasures for generations to come.

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The tourism industry has evolved as a major contributor to economic development and employment creation globally. Over the past seven decades, the tourism industry has experienced growth in both developed and developing countries. Although tourism has significant economic benefits, it often compromises environmental quality. Thus, tourism sustainability becomes an important element in managing the industry. Tourism sustainability has emerged as a leading policy paradigm and is important because tourism is a significant contributor to carbon emissions worldwide.

1. Sustainable Tourism

2. sustainability in sids, 3. residents perceptions towards tourism impacts, 4. sustainable tourism planning model, 5. tourism and fiji.

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