A-G: Properties can do better
TOURIST properties are not living up to the benchmark set by Fiji Airways in attracting visitors to the country.
This was the word from Attorney-General and Minister for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
“I think that it’s not up to just the airline, it’s the hotels and tourist operators as well that have a part to play,” he said.
“As you know the tourism market is very sophisticated these days and we want to ensure that we fill all of the rooms. It is very seasonal as well. There is a need to increase capacity in our hotels.”
The A-G said there was also a need for new purpose-built infrastructure and large arenas for specific events.
“It is also very important for us to have a large convention centre so that we can have concerts and various sporting events. There have been various Bollywood actors and singers who have been coming to our shores and I think it would be great to have a facility where they could hold their shows.
“We need to get the conventions side of things up and running and have a marketable space. Fiji already has a very good brand. We are only one flight away from LA, from San Francisco and Singapore.
“We think that the (tourist) properties can do a lot better. They need to sharpen their tools in respect of food and beverage to make use of the products on sale and what is available in our markets.”