Destination Suva can be developed to lift its image, leisure market

Suva has a lot of potential to be developed as a bigger tourist destination. While much attention is focused on the Coral Coast, Denarau and the Mamanucas, Suva often seems forgotten.

But what people forget is that Suva, as the capital of Fiji, has a rich history that can be tapped, developed and promoted as a Destination Suva theme. How many people know that every month there is the Change of the Guard, at the main entrance to State House, formerly known as Government House. This is a colourful ceremony, inherited from the British colonialists.

The pomp and ceremony that go with this event is a major attraction because it involves both the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force bands.

How many people know about the history of the State House?

The present building of Georgian architecture was built in 1928 to replace the original building - the residence of the colonial governor – which burned to the ground after being struck by lightning in 1921. The first then Government House was built in the early 1880s (after the capital moved to Suva from Levuka). It consisted of two small wood frame buildings.

From 1970, when Fiji became an independent nation, to 1987, when the first military coup took place, Government House was the official residence of the Governor-General. It became the presidential residence in 1987 after the two military coups resulted in the proclamation of a republic.

There are legends and folklore that talk about the original settlers of the Suva peninsular, the fierce tribal land wars that were fought before the British colonialists settled it.

When the two world wars broke out, Suva was the focal point of the preparation and sending of our soldiers. The Royal New Zealand Air Force set up base at Laucala, now the campus for the University of the South Pacific. For many years the Sunderland “Flying Boats” became the aviation icon in Suva. After the Second World War the squadron was tasked with maritime surveillance over the vast South Pacific ocean, medical evacuation flights and search and rescue.

Then there are the islands of Nukulau and Makuluva, across Laucala Bay that have their own unique history, which can be developed for popular tourist destinations. This is only part of the rich history that makes Suva a special city.

It can be developed to strategically position it as an attractive tourism destination.

Some of the heritage sites include the Fiji Museum, the State House, the churches and Thurston Gardens.

Adventure tourism is nearby. So is an international golf course. Night life abounds.

Suva is recognised as the major urban cosmopolitan hub of the South Pacific and for its multi-culturalism and shopping.

Its major port facilities make it a regional shipping hub. Many international organisations including NGOs and the United Nations have offices in Suva because it can provide the support facilities that they need to do their work in the region.

Suva has major sporting infrastructure and has the ability to host larger sporting and cultural events. The FijiFirst Government has built up Fiji into a bigger and better destination for sports tourism – a nation where athletes everywhere want to compete and fans around the world want to visit to watch world-class sporting competition.

Then there are the open-air markets including the fish market, the cruise ship visits, seawall walk and the upgraded Albert Park. Government has invested a lot into infrastructure upgrade in Suva. This is because they know it has the potential to cater for all sorts of major events.

So it's really important that key stakeholders show support in strengthening Suva's position as an important destination for not only the business, meetings and sports, but also to grow the leisure market.