Tourism is critically important to Fiji for several economic, social, and environmental reasons is a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy and society, providing income, jobs, and cultural preservation opportunities while encouraging sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Tourism is one of Fiji’s largest industries, and it generates billions of dollars annually from international visitors. It provides direct and indirect jobs in hotels, resorts, transportation, tour operations, and other related sectors.
Tourism brings in foreign currency, which helps stabilise Fiji’s economy and balance its trade deficits.
Based on the potential of tourism, Vanua Levu is now undergoing a major infrastructure development with new roads and an airport.
Given this background, a research recently published links tourism to politics and peace.
“Democratic transition of power and its implications on tourism growth: Insights from Fiji’s 2022 General Election” was authored by Amare Wondirad, Pal Ahluwalia, Marika Kuilamu and Marcia Stephens. They state as a fragile and sensitive sector, tourism requires peace, stability, safety, and security to thrive, adding among the various triggering factors of political turmoil and instability in developing countries, elections are at the forefront.
The authors state developing countries particularly face the challenge of a smooth transition of power in the aftermath of elections.
In this respect, they state Fiji’s 2022 general election will go down in history as the first democratic transition of power since its independence in 1970.
In the study, they examined the implications of Fiji’s first peaceful power transition for its tourism growth.
Research findings reveal that the democratic transfer of power contributes significantly to Fiji’s tourism development by boosting both investors and visitors’ confidence, improving international image, and increasing tourists’ perceptions of safety and security within the country.
THE 2022 ELECTIONS
Amare Wondirad, Pal Ahluwalia, Marika Kuilamu and Marcia Stephens state Fiji’s 2022 general election uncertainties were evident, particularly given that the results of the election led to a parliamentary impasse since no political party was able to obtain an absolute majority.
They state political instability has had negative impacts on Fiji’s tourism sector by tarnishing its international image, creating an uncertain political and economic atmosphere, and impacting business and investment opportunities.
They noted political instabilities due to periodic military coups have stifled economic progress and strained diplomatic relationships.
The authors state their findings also demonstrates the profound implications of the democratic transition of power in Fiji for its future tourism development.
“While the 2022 general election succeeded in transferring power to the opposition, moving forward, instilling democratic culture, and consolidating the values of adhering to the rule of law in the country are crucial,” they said.
The current Coalition Government must strengthen cohesion within itself and the public and be mindful, especially on fundamental issues such as constitutional revisions or land and property rights and ownership, state the authors.
“Such matters necessitate rigorous and extended engagement to achieve universal public consensus and comprehension.”
CHALLENGES AHEAD
Amare Wondirad, Pal Ahluwalia, Marika Kuilamu and Marcia Stephens also found since labour migration has become a chronic challenge, relevant industry stakeholders must develop a plan that guides the nation’s ability to maintain the operational performance of its own tourism sector by striking a proper balance between employee migration and the functioning of the sector.
“In collaboration with funding organisations, the government must work strenuously on youth capacity development schemes (e.g., training programs on small business development and management, entrepreneurship, product development, financial management), facilitation of access to finance, and the creation of an enabling environment for the younger generations,” they state.
Such interventions will give the youth a renewed sense of hope and enable them to significantly contribute to the nation’s overall development.
Research findings offer important implications in terms of comprehending the impacts of the smooth transition of power on the tourism sector, and the overall development of the nation, state the authors.
“It also identifies priority areas for intervention by the government and other relevant stakeholders to take advantage of Fiji’s enormous tourism potential and political stability.”
MOVING FORWARD
Amare Wondirad, Pal Ahluwalia, Marika Kuilamu and Marcia Stephens state Fiji as a nation now controls its own destiny and having determined its future through the ballot box, it is incumbent on this government to steer the efforts and advance the country towards a brighter future.
“That calls for a visionary, progressive, and committed government that puts all the necessary infrastructure and systems in place to propel national development,” the authors add.
They further add moving forward, Fiji’s success is heavily dependent on its political stability and social cohesion.
To this end, the coalition government’s primary duties should focus on fostering trust, reconciliation, and cohesion within the coalition and the general public, ensuring broad-based community engagement and equitable sharing of economic benefits, developing consensus on critical policy areas, and improving the executive capabilities of various government wings.
“The Opposition party shall be constructive as well, always putting the national interest at the forefront to realise a politically stable, economically prosperous, and socially inclusive Fiji.”
TEKI Tours representative Joe Baleisuva (right) assist a tourist from the cruise liner Crown Princess in Lautoka. Picture: REINAL CHAND
Tourists from the cruise liner Crown Princess visit Lautoka City. Picture: REINAL CHAND
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