Tourism Minister, Premila Kumar has emphasized that partnership between the operators and the Fijian Government is crucial.

Meeting with representatives of the Savusavu Tourism Association at Daku Resort yesterday, the Minister highlighted the importance of partnership for the continued sustainable development of the Fijian tourism industry.

Kumar told the association members that the tourism sector is the largest contributor to the Fijian economy.

And to ensure that the industry continues this positive performance, they need to work together to capitalise on the unique features of our region.

The Minister notes that while Savusavu may only get two percent of the total visitors to Fiji, the number of nights spent however, is an average of 19, which is double the national average.

To this end, Kumar says Savusavu definitely has a lot to offer and is doing great in getting visitors to spend more time there which the rest of Fiji needs to learn from.

The Chair of the Savusavu Tourism Association, Delia Jones highlighted that Savusavu is ready to support the Fijian Government’s vision for the tourism sector.

Savusavu she says is able to cater for niche and emerging markets, such as voluntourism, yacht tourism and marine ecology, which create additional value in the sector.

The Minister also announced that the Ministry will be organising the Fijian Tourism Talanoa, where the industry, Government and other key stakeholders can openly and collaboratively discuss the future of the industry to maintain the upward trajectory of the industry.