Page 5 - IB May 2025

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

BEYOND THE HORIZON

It is essential for Pacific governments and regional agencies to review aviation and
its place in the development of individual island nations and the region. Publisher & Editor
Globalisation has made the world a much smaller place. Products arrive in the Netani Rika
Pacific from halfway across the globe and technology has widened the eyes of
people who once lived in relative isolation. Sales, Marketing & Subscriptions
Telecommunications give children on remote atolls insight into what happens in Waisale Rokotuiveikau
London, New York, Beijing, and New Delhi. They are now able to see and dream of
what lies way beyond the horizon. Reporters
And they want to be part of the dream. Aisha Azeemah
In London, New York, Beijing, and New Delhi, the same technology gives people Ema Ganivatu
the ability to see the Pacific—live and in colour—offering them a chance to visit Prerna Priyanka
tropical paradise and get away from what has been termed the rat race in some
industrialised countries.
Aviation provide the essential link which enables travel from the home of the Designer
dreamers to the world of their dreams. Dick Lee
It also opens a huge possibility in the Pacific to develop the tourism industry
to cater for the influx of visitors – from boutique to backpacker. With that comes
employment in tourism, building, transportation, and agriculture.
For larger Pacific countries, there are possibilities in health or sports tourism, Islands Business is published monthly by
Front Page Pte Limited
conventions, concerts, and other niche markets. Editorial & Advertising Offices
But rising fuel costs and concerns over the impact of fossil fuels on the carbon GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands
footprint create an enormous, negative impact on aviation. Some airline executives Tel: +679 9209375
point out that these threats are inhibitive.
The Pacific needs home grown development which directly impacts the lives of Emails
Editorial: editor@islandsbusiness.com
the people in a positive way. Aviation and its associated industries of tourism and Subscriptions: subs@islandsbusiness.com
construction can help provide positive changes to Pacific economies and lives. Advertising: marketing@islandsbusiness.com
That will only happen if governments sit with the aviation and tourism industries
to discuss how best to grow together, because these sectors are inextricably linked.
Printing:
The COVID-19 Pandemic showed just how dependent these industries are on each
Printhouse Pacific Pte Limited, Suva, Fiji Islands
other.
This month, the Association of South Pacific Airlines gathers in Honiara to plan the
next five years for regional aviation.
March 2025 FJD $8 www.islandsbusiness.com
It is critical that governments and regional agencies heed the calls made and www.islandsbusiness.com April 2025 FJD $8
concerns raised at this forum.
Increased aviation and tourism will lead to impact on land use and the
environment.
How can these risks be mitigated even before expansion of the tourism market
THE ARTISTIC JOURNEY OF TELLY TUITA
begins? Is it possible to design waste management solutions which are practical and FROM TEACHING TO TONGPOP ICT STATE OF PLAY
ensure maximum protection of a pristine Pacific?
And how can our farmers, fisherfolk, and artisans provide more for our visitors? Copyright © 2025 Front Page Pte Limited.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced without the written permission of the
publisher.
Netani Rika

netani.rika@yahoo.com

www.islandsbusiness.com

Islands Business May 2025 5