ANZ Fiji supports FETA
As tourism demand returns strongly, there has been a significant focus on refurbishment and expansion projects, not only to cater to demand but to maintain our image as a quality destination.
ANZ Fiji Chief Executive Officer Rabih Yazbek made those comments during the ANZ Fiji,Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2022 at the Sofitel Fiji Resort on Denarau Island last Saturday.
“Today, I want to recognise the incredible efforts of everyone in the industry and the team at Tourism Fiji on the brilliant ‘relaunch’ of ‘brand Fiji’ to the world – Fiji is most certainly open for happiness!,” he said.
He added that this is so important because tourism has a multiplier effect on growth across the economy. “A number of key industries, including wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services, are dependent on inbound tourists. I am also pleased to see a healthy pipeline of tourismrelated projects.
ANZ has been supporting this event for more than a decade now because it recognise the immense contribution that the tourism industry makes in Fiji.
“There is no doubt that everyone in this room has been through some tough times over the past few years, and I am extremely proud of the way that ANZ supported Fiji’s tourism industry through the pandemic,” he added.
“This helped to ensure that our customers could not only navigate through border closures and lockdowns but come through the other side and thrive.”
According to the RBF’s January 2023 Economic Review, visitor arrivals surpassed the RBF’s expectations in 2022 at 636,312 visitors, 71.1% of 2019 levels.
Higher than expected visitor arrivals and larger average spend boosted tourism receipts that reached more than $1.4bn
Fiji is expected to record another year of strong growth in visitors.
ANZ Economist for the Pacific, Dr Kishti Sen, is forecasting 970k arrivals for 2023, which is 8.5% higher than 2019.
“I know all of you are up to the challenge. Competitive pricing, enhanced flight connectivity, opening up of all traditional markets, recently refurbished luxury international hotels and resorts, as well as sporting tourism. This is truly a team effort,” he added.
“Fiji’s advantages over other competitors is our reputation for natural beauty, warm hospitality, rich cultural experiences and friendly locals. I promised my 9 year old daughter I’d also remind you all that Fiji has the world’s best kids clubs.
“With already strong numbers from Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada, we expect visitor arrivals to climb from April when flights to HK and Japan resume.
As a leading commercial bank in Fiji, ANZ has an important role to play in supporting the tourism sector, both operators and visitors. “We help ensure a world class destination where comforts like contactless cards payments, payments via mobile phone wallets and Apple Watches are accepted on all our terminals. And we’re moving rapidly to create more integrated digital solutions for tourism businesses and ultimately their customers.
“ANZ FETA honours outstanding members of Fiji’s tourism industry – and this year’s ANZ FETA has certainly not disappointed us with the talent that has come through. Taking a moment to recognise the committee of volunteers, including members of our ANZ team, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make these awards happen.
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