Fiji tourism aims to get back to business

By Yusof Sulaiman l eTN Asia/Pacific
Fiji’s revived Tourism Action Group, set up to rebuild the nation’s tourism industry  following the 2000 coup, has given its support to rebuilding efforts, according to latest reports from the Fiji Times.
As Fiji's travel and tourism industry gets back on its feet, the New Zealand government downgraded its travel advisory from "increasing risk" to "some risk."  The risk to personal safety, however, "remains high."

Despite the absence of its official embassy staff, who were evacuated, New Zealand residents have been urged to avoid "demonstrations, large gatherings and areas of military activity."

“Currently, Suva is calm but a rapid deterioration of the situation cannot be ruled out. New Zealand citizens who are concerned about their safety should consider departing from the island,” said the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advisory.

According to reports, airlines flying to Fiji will be offering more discounted airfares to stimulate the traffic, beginning today (December 26).

Resorts in Fiji are working in tandem with airlines by offering up to 50 percent off standard accommodation rates for new bookings.

Tourism figures reached a record high in 2004-2005 following heavy promotional campaign, and the latest moves are aimed to regain highs it once reached.

The largest travel retailer to Fiji in New Zealand is again marketing travels to Fiji.
“The tourism industry looks to bounce back much faster as the military coup has been non-violent.”

“Cancellations have dropped to less than 10 percent and forward bookings are looking stronger,” shared Rick Hamilton, from Flight Center. “We are feeling pretty positive about Fiji now and the future of Fuji tourism.”

New Zealanders are looking forward to taking advantage of the situation, added Hamilton. “The new deals are the best since the last coup in 2000.”

There have been fears tourism numbers will fall off sharply as hotel and flight bookings were cancelled following the latest coup.

Tourism is Fiji’s most important industry, accounting up to 20 percent of its economic activity and its largest earner of foreign exchange.  Due to political instability, the industry collapsed following the 2000 military coup. Some of the biggest resort hotels opted to close for a time.

December 26, 2006   Posted in: Fiji