Vendors welcome back cruise ships

SUVA Handicraft Centre market vendors have welcomed the news that tourist cruise ships would soon be visiting Fiji in the coming months after a ban of more than two years.

President of the Suva Handicraft Market Vendors and Manufacturers Association Mahendra Singh said they were excited to receive the first cruise ship next month and looked forward to making the passengers’ trip memorable.

“We welcome the news of the borders being opened,” he said.

“We are also looking forward to the tourist ships that will be coming into the country. This is nothing new, we will continue our practice that we’ve been doing in the past to attract more tourist into the capital city.”

A statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport said welcoming cruise ships back into Fiji waters was a key facet of Fiji’s ongoing economic recovery.

According to the ministry, pre-COVID cruise companies, their passengers, and crew spent $44.2 million annually in Fiji.

A 2018 study on the economic impact of cruise tourism in Fiji also revealed that each cruise ship voyage brought an average of $305,000 in spending per port of call and one cruise ship passenger brought $90 of spending each.

To ensure safe return of cruise vessels to Fiji, the Government will put in place additional measures to reduce risks, including:

 All travellers 16 years and above – both cruise passengers and crew – to be fully vaccinated with a Fiji recognised COVID-19 vaccine;

 A rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to disembarkation at Fijian ports; and

 Valid medical travel insurance, with international coverage of COVID-19.

Mr Singh said Fiji’s economy would benefit greatly through the arrival of tourist cruise ships.

“The Suva Handicraft and Manufacturers Association members will not be the only ones benefitting,” he said.

“Once the tourist come into Suva port, I understand everybody will benefit. I hope more tourist cruise ships visit our shores and the Handicraft Centre, it will make a lot of difference to each one of us.”