Tourism in focus at Pacific Ministers’ meet-up

New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey is to meet with Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell and Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica in Rotorua this weekend for a trilateral tourism discussion.

Advising of his expectations, Minister Doocey stated “like in New Zealand, tourism plays a significant role in Australia and Fiji’s economy, contributing massively to both national GDP and employment.

“This time together is an opportunity to discuss our shared priorities for our tourism sectors and what we can do, independently and together, to address the emerging challenges and opportunities in the Pacific region.

“Australia is New Zealand’s closest neighbour and largest tourism source market. With just under 1.3 million visitors, Australia accounted for over 40% of all international arrivals to New Zealand in the year ending June 2024. 

“Fijians are also strong contributors to New Zealand’s tourism economy, in the year ended June 2024, over 43,000 Fijians visited New Zealand.

“Australia and Fiji have always been connection points between New Zealand and the rest of the world, as countries with a close, long-standing relationship I am looking forward to discussing what we can do to support our shared tourism priorities.”

Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica is also Fiji’s Minister of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications.

Image: Geothermal tourism in Rotorua. Credit: Shutterstock.