With the theme ‘Progressive Tourism through Sustainable Partnerships’, the FTT provided a platform for Government and key tourism industry stakeholders to discuss pertinent matters to help develop the Fijian tourism industry sustainably. The FTT discussed projects, plans and recommendation that will grow the tourism sector further. Session 3: Making Tourism: Sustainable. This session focused on renewable energy, forest and marine protection and sustainable tourism. Expected outcomes from this session were to garner greater support for addressing challenges to the sustainable development of the tourism sector. Presented at the 2017 Fijian Tourism Talanoa, Sheraton Resort, Fiji 18th November 2017 Hosted by: Fiji Ministry Of Industry, Trade And Tourism

1. Making
Tourism
Sustainable
Private Sector –
MSME Perspective
Stuart Gow
Resort Support

2. Tourism – The Prime Sustainable Industry
• At last we are addressing this FIRST!
• No longer a primary focus on growth and investment,
with Sustainability being an after thought
• Thank you Govt and MITT for recognising this as
crucial to long term sustainable growth of Fiji’s primary
industry

3. Sustainability
Sustainability within the Fiji Hospitality Industry

4. Sustainability 3 Legged Stool
If all three legs are not equal,
the stool will not stand = not
sustainable
• Environmental
• Social
• Economic

5. Need all 3 Elements to Work
• Sustainability = Seriously Long Term
• Not just Green-Washing
• Not just ECO
• Not just feel good CSR
• Not tree-hugging
Sustainable
Environment
EconomicSocial

6. Environmental
• Fiji's long term vision as a
tourism destination is not
achievable without urgent
action to better manage our
natural resources
• Our pristine environment is a
PRIME reason for choosing
Fiji

7. MSME Role in Support of Environment
• Marine reserves (many!)
• Mangroves for Fiji
• 3 R’s of waste management
• Educational centres &
information
• Clean Fiji = Healthy Fiji

8. Economic
• Long term profitable
businesses
• No good being in business
unless there is profit!
• Must spread economic
benefit through all levels of
society

9. Enabling Business Economic Development
• MSMEs can play a critical role in this
• if the enabling environment lets them!
• Big problem currently
• so tied up in paperwork, realising these bigger goals tough.
• Streamlining business regulations
• provide opportunities for many more SMEs keen to help achieve these
goals.
• support resource owners manage their own small businesses
• Monthly 13 different taxes and fees to file !
• little time for much else like business growth
• Need to make things easier for SMEs.
• Need an enabling environment that is enabling not prohibitive!

10. Social
• Fiji's long term vision as a
tourism destination is not
achievable without urgent
action to better manage our
social and cultural
resources
• Our diverse cultural
environment is a PRIME
reason for choosing Fiji

11. MSME Role in Support of Social
• Most MSME’s are locally
owned by owners/ operators!
• Direct economic benefit to
Fiji’s population
• Integrated authentic culture
and experiences
• Grassroots level business
development

12. All Stakeholders
Country and Region Wide

13. Need all 3 Players to Work
• Business – PRIVATE
• Large
• Medium
• Small
• Micro
• Individual
• Government – PUBLIC
• Local Authority
• Ministries
• Cabinet
• NGO’s - supporters
Sustainable
Tourism
Business
Business
PRIVATE
NGO
Government
PUBLIC

14. Making
Tourism
Sustainable
Private Sector –
MSME Perspective
Stuart Gow
Resort Support
Stuart@ResortSupportFIji.com