Quarantine, flight availability top panel discussion
THE Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum participated in a Tourism Talanoa Panel Discussion following the announcement on the reopening of the international borders.
The participants in the panel had the opportunity to provide an overview on the safe COVID-19 protocols during the re-opening of Fiji’s international border by 11th November for international travellers. This follows the announcement made by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama last week.
Discussions centred on quarantine protocols that will be in place, safe opening of resorts and hotels and availability of flights on Fiji Airways.
In terms of livelihoods, jobs and business opportunities, the A-G said the re-opening of international borders augurs well for the economy.
“The reality is that we have to remain focused in ensuring that we adhere to the protocols in place. We expect the number of jobs to increase in the next few weeks.
“Some hotels have already begun re-engaging staff, whether to clean up the kitchen, train the kitchen staff, or clean gardens and driveways. So it is good news and we should take full advantage of the re-opening of our international borders.”
“We urge all those who are not vaccinated, those people living in pockets of areas where
there may be low rates of vaccination to get vaccinated because they can also participate and benefit from the opening of the borders for tourists. At this point in time, tourists can only go to green zones and non-red zones or safe zones.”
The A-G also acknowledged the governments of Australia, New Zealand, India and USA for their support in providing the COVID-19 vaccines.
Also joining the panel discussion was Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya, Permanent Secretary for
Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong, Fiji Airways chief executive officer André Viljoen, Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill and Fiji Hoteliers and Tourism Association chief executive officer Fantasha Lockington.
Panel members were also asked about the preparations for their respective organisations following the Prime Minister’s announcement on the reopening of international borders and the protocols in place, including training for hotel workers, airline workers and tourism entities throughout the country.