Uptick in Future Bookings: Tourism Fiji CEO tells
Tourismindustry has seen an uptick in future bookings following containment borders reopening. This was highlighted by Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill.
“The Western Division has reported strong interest in bookings from guests in Suva – places like Denarau, Momi Bay, Sigatoka and Pacific Harbour have reported that domestic tourists are starting to come in, and are booking for October 4 onwards in particular,” he said. “Everyone is keen to travel. “The containment border opening is a really important milestone for Fiji as we move towards the full reopening of Fiji.”
Mr Hill said October 4 remained a major date for the tourism industry.
“This will signal the full opening to 70 per cent capacity for domestic tourism.
“However, the containment borders coming down allow resorts to start employing staff again and readying themselves for reopening firstly to domestic tourists and then to international.”
He said over 150 resorts and hotels had shown interest in opening for the domestic market.
“There are a number of 5-star hotels with nights that are going for as low as $145 to $150 to the domestic market – there is incredible value there at the beautiful, luxury properties.”
He said domestic tourism had been boosted by the ‘Love Our Locals’ campaign which was launched in October 2020. “It went really well then, and we expect the same this time around.”
What locals can do
Mr Hill said locals could promote tourism through social media platforms.
“Fijians can help spread the word about how amazing Fiji really is on social media just by promoting the various products we have here in Fiji – through tagging, uploading images and putting up stories and videos.
“Using #Fiji will really help put great images up on social media that people around the world searching for Fiji will see.”
He said interactive social media content would help Tourism Fiji obtain photos and videos of Fiji to international guests.
“With the domestic market opening, we now can start some of our own campaigns and work on social media to share images around the world.
“And now having the domestic market open – we’ll start to get these images and information around the world.”
He has encouraged local guests to share their experiences in the resorts and hotels on all social media platforms.
“Tell the world how great it is to have Fiji open again and the number one thing – get vaccinated! “We still need as many people as possible to be vaccinated, as that helps keep us safe, but also allows us to open more and more of Fiji,” he said.