‘Our Bula spirit awaits you’
The tourism industry in Fiji is awaiting government decisions related to travel and easing of border restrictions. Also, the vaccine is a huge step towards normality for Fiji and its people with hopes that their international borders will open to visitors, restoring the livelihoods of thousands of Fijians, who are dependent on tourism. Sunil Menon, Country Manager, Tourism Fiji India, shares more about Fijian plans to welcome tourists when borders reopen.
Fiji isn’t just all sun, sand, and sea, although there is plenty of that too! From hidden waterfalls and lush green tropical rain forests to rugged coastlines and dramatic volcanic mountain peaks, there is so much more to explore.
Fiji has always been intimately linked with India as over 40 per cent of the population being of Indian origin has made this Pacific nation their home for over a century. India has always been a source market for many and Fiji as a country has looked forward to building sustainable and responsible tourism from this region. The multi-hued ties between the countries are sure to get a new sparkle post this pandemic through the various initiatives currently being planned by Tourism Fiji.
Presently, Tourism Fiji has a Matai Specialist programme in place to provide the international travel industry with the knowledge to sell Fiji. Their Matai Happiness Specialists are accredited travel agents from all over the world who have in-depth knowledge and experience of Fiji to help traveller plan and book their holidays. “With the support of our partners who are now empanelled as Matai specialists, we are confident that Fiji with its enhanced and unique experiences will be a soughtafter destination,” shares Sunil.
Tourism Fiji, along with the private sector stakeholders, is working towards plans to support the sustainable
recovery of tourism while promoting a digital transition to rethink tourism for the future. The tourism sector will be very different in 2021 from what it was in 2019. Though this will bring challenges for the sector, it will also build opportunities to encourage innovation, drive new business models, and explore new niches & markets, open up new experiences and unexplored destinations. They are inclined to move to more sustainable and resilient tourism development models with enhanced protocols. The pent-up demand for travel post vaccinations is sure to act as the major catalyst for holidays to Fiji.
Tourism Fiji is working together with all its source markets to develop collaborative systems across borders to safely resume travel, restore traveller and business confidence, stimulate demand and accelerate tourism recovery. “As of March 2020, the Fijian government has implemented effective measures to mitigate an outbreak in the islands to keep people safe and businesses running. These include the adoption of a contact-tracing application, border and quarantine protocols, and public communications around social distancing and proper sanitation,” tells Sunil.
Recent months have also seen the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations, and these will continue throughout the year until all of Fiji’s eligible population is protected. Fiji is in the process of vaccinating our front line industry partners and through the Care Fiji Commitment programme wellness ambassadors are being appointed. In support of the Fijian government’s COVID-19 initiatives, the Fijian tourism industry has also adopted the Care Fiji Commitment; a WHOapproved standard of best-practice health and safety measures designed to align our industry to safe travel norms in a post-COVID world. In recognition of the Care Fiji Commitment program, the World Travel and Tourism Council recently declared Fiji as a ‘Safe Travels’ destination.
Regarding the current destination promotion with the Indian partners, Sunil mentions, “Tourism Fiji through its initiatives coupled with its educational programmes have been strengthening partner relationships in India to restore traveller confidence and support tourism businesses to adapt to the new normal. We will soon commence the third phase of our communication while promoting and supporting the safe return of international tourism. This would provide clear information to travellers and businesses of the enhanced health & safety measures adopted by the destination, thus limiting uncertainty and strengthening co-operation within and between partners. With these plans in place, we aim to enhance offerings and together build a more resilient and sustainable tourism environment for Fiji. You can be assured that when borders reopen, we will be ready to welcome you back.”