Tourism of Fiji has joined as a Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
Fiji is an archipelago located in the heart of the South Pacific. The country comprises over 330 islands, with Viti Levu and Vanua Levu being the two largest, housing the majority of the population.
Fiji is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, with one of the most notable natural features being the extensive coral reefs, providing a habitat for an array of marine life. Fiji’s volcanic origins have contributed to its unique landscape, with towering mountain ranges and jagged peaks that offer breathtaking views of the islands below.
Sustainability in Fiji
Sustainability is a key focus in Fiji, as the country recognizes the importance of preserving its natural resources. The Tourism Fiji Corporate Plan 2022-2026 highlights several key points related to sustainability:
Community engagement and empowerment: The plan emphasizes the importance of engaging and empowering local communities in the development and management of tourism activities. It aims to support local businesses and create opportunities for employment and economic growth.
Sustainable tourism practices: The plan promotes sustainable tourism practices to reduce the environmental impact of tourism. It aims to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy efficiency, and conserve water and natural resources.
Education: It aims to provide education to industry stakeholders, including tourism operators, to promote sustainable tourism practices. It highlights the importance of training and education programs to increase awareness of sustainability issues and promote best practices.
Destination management: The plan emphasizes the importance of effective destination management to ensure sustainable tourism development. It intends to improve infrastructure, transportation, and accommodation options, as well as develop new tourism products and services to promote the lesser-known regions and attractions of Fiji.
Overall, the plan places a strong emphasis on promoting sustainable tourism practices and ensuring that tourism benefits local communities while minimizing its impact on the environment.
“Tourism Fiji’s decision to become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a significant step towards promoting sustainable tourism practices in Fiji. The GSTC is a global organization that establishes and promotes sustainable tourism standards, and its membership includes leading tourism destinations and companies around the world. By becoming a member, Tourism Fiji is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable tourism development, which will not only benefit the environment but also support the local economy and communities,” said the CEO Tourism Fiji, Brent Hill.
“As a member of the GSTC, Tourism Fiji will have access to valuable resources and expertise, which will help in the implementation of sustainable tourism practices,” Hill added.
GSTC Welcomes Fiji
« We are glad with Tourism Fiji’s decision to become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Having committed members like Tourism Fiji is crucial in promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting our mission of establishing and promoting sustainable tourism standards globally. We look forward to working closely with Tourism Fiji to advance sustainable tourism practices in Fiji and beyond. » said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
GSTC encourages destinations pursuing sustainability practices in tourism development and management to join as GSTC members and apply the GSTC Destination Criteria, which eventually can help achieve certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
About Fiji
Tourism Fiji is the destination marketing organisational arm of the Fijian Government agency responsible for marketing Fiji as the ideal destination for leisure travel globally. Tourism Fiji has established a presence in seven key markets around the globe, and its activities include advertising, public relations, media initiatives, trade shows, and programs for the tourism industry and consumer promotions to better showcase Fiji.
For more information visit: www.fiji.com.fj
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.
The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.
Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/
