Within the past two decades Fiji’s tourism industry has grown dramatically, in the process overtaking the traditional export sector of sugar as the main foreign exchange earner and employment creator.
The sector is mainly private sector driven and has grown substantially over the past few decades.
Visitor arrivals have continued to increase over the past 20 years.
Some of Fiji’s attraction projects include nature & culture, cruising, water sports & resort activities, yachting, surfing, diving, wedding & honeymoon, shopping, sports and community village tours.
Investments are underway in intergrated tourism developments and resort/hotel properties around the country increasing room numbers available.
Since Fiji depends enormously on tourism for its growth and development, this week we feature some business leaders and discuss ways to boost our tourism industry.
Sharon Smith-Johns, Coconut Company (Fiji) Ltd co-founder
Tourists come to Fiji for our natural beauty – so keeping our environment clean from rubbish and litter I see as a major priority. A litter free Fiji benefits everyone.
Let’s also not take for granted our rural and maritime communities and the products they produce. Visitors to Fiji should be encouraged to buy locally made products. Everything from our baskets to our coconut products, tourists wants an authentic experience.
Let’s also continue to show respect for those people that support our visitors, from the housekeepers to the cooks and the drivers, ordinary Fijians who are delivering the true Fiji Experience. All this adds up to a better experience for tourists.
Div Damodar, Damodar Group Chief Executive
We need new Hotel concepts & Brands; we need to understand the needs and requirements of new tourist arrivals from our traditional tourists (Australia & New Zealand). We need to explore different types of Tourism example Medical & Sports. Casinos are great successful examples such as Singapore “Marina Bay Sands”, Australia “Crown” (Melbourne & Sydney, Barangaroo), and New Zealand “Skycity” & in the Pacific Vanuatu: “Grand Hotel “& Samoa “Aggie Grey”.
Eco-tourism and economy class resorts and accommodation where there is still a shortage. There appears to be more focus on upmarket tourism brands and chains. Expansion of the industry to the eastern side of Viti Levu and the whole of the Vanua Levu. Promote business tourism – i.e while we are housing tourists, we must try and also promote businesses opportunities to them as this way we can than truly spread the tourism benefits to other industries that may be lagging behind.
Rosii Chute, Luxury Cosmetics Limited Director
Persuade those in the industry to use good Fijian made products which is safe for their guests and the environment.
Everyone to Develop and retain our natural hospitality and Bula spirit
To welcome tourists and make them feel as honored guests, treating them with kindness and respect so that they enjoy their stay, this way they will make Fiji their first choice always for their holidays! A win- win situation for both sides!
Praneel Dass, Realtor & Director Of Inglewood Realtors
Three factors which are very important in tourism industry are stability in the country. This will contribute to ever increasing tourism numbers. Security for tourist and locals alike will promote Fiji as go to destination. Lastly Competitive prices or good pricing make Fiji a better alternative to visit.
Feedback: stella.moresio@fijisun.com.fj