‘Be competitive’

Do not over tax tourists, says tourism operator

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DO not over tax tourists. Fiji has to be competitive as we compete with so many other major tourism destinations.

This is the plea from local tourism operator Tony Whitton to the newly-elected government.

“The last national budget saw a reduction in direct taxes for tourists and also drop in duties on alcohol and imported food and this contributed to the success of the Bula Bubble Fiji packages launched in all our overseas markets that packaged all meals and beverages,” Mr Whitton revealed.

“This tax reduction has not resulted in tax revenue for government dipping.

“In fact the opposite, tax revenue from tourism has gone up with people spending more.”

In Nadi yesterday, Mr Whitton indicated that this was probably the first time for the country to elect someone that has had extensive experience working in the tourism industry take up this vital ministerial post in Viliame Gavoka

“So as a minister that has worked in the private sector for a major global hotel chain, he will understand the day-to-day pressure of running a successful tourism business and how competitive our industry is.

“It takes a lot of planning and execution to entice visitors to Fiji, co-ordinating global marketing campaigns, packaging air fares with land content and making sure Fiji stands out against our competition of Tahiti, Bali, Hawaii, Queensland and Thailand.

“And when the visitors are in Fiji have amazing food, enjoy new experiences and be immersed in a new culture.”

Mr Whitton added that industry partners are looking forward to roundtable talks with key tourism stakeholders.