Tourism sector employs 1 in 3 persons in the workforce - Koya

The Fijian tourism sector contributes at least 30% to the GDP and employs 1 in 3 persons in the workforce.

The GDP is a monetary measure of the total value of all goods and services produced in a period of time.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya at a UN World Tourism 30th Joint Meeting held at Sofitel Resort & Spa, in Denarau, Nadi.

Koya  says the  Pacific region is the smallest contributors to global warming however, we are the ones that are affected the most by climate change that not only affects sectors such as tourism but also affects arable land.

He says it is this very livelihood that is being adversely affected by climate change caused by unsustainable practices around the world. 

Koya says this regional seminar on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable tourism development that is being held in the margins of the Joint Commissions Meeting is timely.

He says through this Seminar they hope to bring to the forefront the challenges faced by the Pacific region. 

This is the first time the Joint Commissions meeting has been brought to this part of the World.

Minister Koya said hosting the Joint Commissions meeting in the Pacific for the first time was crucial for the region.