200 Per Cent Increase in Chinese Market
For the March quarter of this year, visitor earnings from the Chinese market increased by over 200 per cent. This statement was made by the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts, Alison Burchell while officiating at the inaugural China-Fiji Tourism Symposium at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Friday night.
The event has been organised as part of Fiji’s calendar of events to commemorate the China Pacific Tourism Year 2019 which was launched on April 1, 2019 in Apia, Samoa. Ms Burchell added the earnings rose from $8.5 million to $26.5 million, contributing 7.2 per cent to the total.
“The Chinese visitor arrivals for the month of July into Fiji stands at 4,439,” she said.
Be China ready
“China is the largest source of outbound tourists and fastest growing source market for the Pacific region.
“Fiji, being the hub of the Pacific, attracts the largest number of the Chinese visitors to the region.
“Whilst China is still an emerging market for Fiji, it remains one of the top visitor source markets.
“With initiatives put in place, we hope to grow this market and continuously strive to become ‘China Ready’.
“The Fijian tourism industry has progressed towards creating an industry tailored to the needs of the Chinese market. For example, incorporating Chinese cuisine in hotel menus and having Chinese translators. “Our marketing strategies have focused on the sustainable development of our tourism industry for our future generations.”
Tourism key economic sector for Fiji
Tourism is a key economic sector for Fiji. “In 2018, Fiji received more than 870,309 visitors, who spent $1.9 billion across the industry, and employed approximately 118,500 Fijians. “The industry contributes approximately 34 per cent towards Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product.”
Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China Qian Bo, said China and Fiji have shared diplomatic relations since 1975. “We remain committed to strengthening our strategic engagement and friendship,” Mr Bo said.
South Pacific Tourism Organisation chief executive officer Christopher Cocker said there is no doubt that Tourism in the Pacific will continue to grow and is a key driver of economic growth, in the Pacific and Asia alike.
“Therefore, continued co-operation and mutual understanding of tourism opportunities is so important in this day and age,”added Mr Cocker.
“Initiatives like this symposium play a pivotal role in enhancing communication and connectivity between our respective countries and regions, all of which will help the sustainable growth of this most valuable sector that will assist in securing our future in the Pacific.
“The delegation consisting of officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as well as Chinese tourism industry stakeholders from nine provinces in China, participating in a triangular trip to New Zealand, Fiji and Australia.
“The visits, which of course coincides with today’s symposium, is aimed at furthering discussion on tourism cooperation with Fiji and exploring other opportunities relating to mutual tourism markets.” Feedback: