Australians choosing ‘close, safe’ Fiji ahead of Bali

AFTER two years of travelbusting lockdowns, Australians are darting across the Pacific to Fiji in droves, joining a stream of celebrities escaping to the archipelago and cementing its reputation as a hideaway for the stars.

The island haven is increasingly seen as a peaceful, Covidsafe and accessible alternative to popular destinations such as Bali and Hawaii for families and celebs alike, with bookings to the country surging, according to travel agents.

Online booking website Skyscanner has seen an 120 per cent spike in search interest for trips to the archipelago of 300 islands with more than 75,000 bookings made in recent weeks, according to Tourism Fiji.

Travel agents have been overwhelmed with inquiries since the country opened to travellers on December 1 and are already making bookings for early 2023 as availability for this year becomes tight.

They say that Fiji has “replaced” Bali, which they believe “will take a long time to recover”, and that other island destinations, such as Hawaii, are “too far” for travellers during a time of high anxiety and uncertainty.

“Our inquiries have been absolutely slammed for Fiji. We’re getting smashed,” a travel expert from Fiji Island Holidays said.

Fiji has a 90 per cent vaccination rate and World Health Organisation-approved Covid control plans, with Fiji Matai specialist Merilyn Porter saying many tourists see it as a safe choice in uncertain times.

“Fiji is the winner because we can get there, it’s close and there’s been excellent experiences. They make us feel at home, but a home without any worries,” Ms Porter said. “There is a genuine feeling of safety there.”

The entry requirements are also straightforward, with fully vaccinated travellers spared quarantine, having to stay at a Care Fiji Committed-approved hotel for the first three days of their stay, where they must undertake a rapid antigen test on day two but are permitted to move around the resort or go on an approved day trip.

A negative PCR test is also required two days before departure for travellers 12 and older.