Great response to virtual expo

ABOUT 80 tourism industry partners in Fiji and 51 international buyers for the Australia and New Zealand markets participated in the 2020 Virtual Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE) which was held in Nadi yesterday.

Minister for Tourism Faiyaz Koya in a prerecorded video speech, said FTE had always been an important event for Fiji’s tourism industry, however, this year the event would be held with a difference.

“We would have loved everyone to experience the Fijian tourism hospitality firsthand, I am thrilled the event would go ahead, be it virtually,” he said.

Mr Koya said the Love Our Locals (LOL) campaign was guided by the Fijian COVID Safe Economic Recovery Framework, aimed at keeping the pandemic at bay.

“Through this framework, we have successfully created the Blue Lane initiative, and since it’s announcement, we have approved close to 100 yachts with over 345 passengers and crew to have entered Fiji.”

He said the cornerstone of Fiji’s economic recovery was to strengthen preparedness and the country’s ability to safely welcome visitors back.

“As the world prepares to open its borders, we are hopeful our ‘Bula Spirit’ will run on you, and you take our message back home.”