Tourism's combined direct and indirect contribution to Fiji’s GDP is averaged at 30% - Koya

Tourism's combined direct and indirect contribution to Fiji’s GDP is averaged at 30% over the last 7 years and the sector employs one in every three Fijians.

This was stated by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Faiyaz Koya while speaking at the 14th HOTEC Fiji Tradeshow at the Sheraton Resort.

Koya also highlighted that from January to September alone this year, approximately 622,139 visitors came to Fiji, representing an impressive increase of 6.6 percent over the same period last year where the total visitor arrivals stood at 792,320.

He stressed that these statistics are a testament to the hard work of those in the tourism industry and the foresight of government in ensuring the right policies are in place to enable businesses to prosper. 

Koya says that events such as HOTEC provides a platform where operators in the tourism industry meet with suppliers to forge new relations and strengthen existing ones.

HOTEC has 48 trade booths, compared to 38 last year and through these booths, Fiji’s diverse tourism products and services are proudly exhibited and displayed to the world.

There is also training on Human Resources, Information Technology and Marketing which aims to add‑value to existing skills.

Koya says that the Tourism Ministry in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, had committed to reviving this event to strengthen collaboration amongst all stakeholders and move the industry further.

Another such platform, is the Fijian Tourism Talanoa event which will be held at the Sheraton Resort tomorrow.