First yachts in Blue Lane Initiative to arrive May 3
Savusavu will soon be expecting an increase in their tourism activity as the first yachts are expected to arrive on May 3, as part of the Blue Lane initiative.
This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Trade, Tourism, Transport and Local Government, Shaheen Ali on Friday.
Mr Ali was part of the Ministry of Local Government’s Northern Division visit to Savusavu and Labasa.
The Blue Lane initiative was established by the Government as part of its COVID Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT), to allow yachts and pleasure crafts to enter Fiji.
This was done to help assist in the recovery of Fiji’s ailing tourism sector that was severely affected by COVID-19.
He said the first yacht, Ohana, is expected to arrive from its last port Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. The yacht is registered under its origin country, the United States of America.
Copra Shed Marina manager Dolly Singh said the yacht would have 11 people on board.
Ms Singh said for yachters that were arriving through this initiative, they would be observed under strict quarantine protocols.
“Upon arrival they will go straight to the quarantine area, fully under navy surveillance. On day 12, swap test will be carried out.”
Ms Singh said on day 14 the yachters would be allowed to come out of the quarantine centre, only if the results for their test returned negative. Port Denarau Marina Limited and Savusavu Bay are the only two approved port of entries for Fiji’s Blue Lane initiative.