Economic boom for Fiji’s ‘hidden paradise’

Economic boom for Fiji’s ‘hidden paradise’
16/02/2009

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A world class golf course and a new hotel in Savusavu are among new projects lined up for Fiji’s northern division.

A Malaysian company has also shown interest in planting jathropha, for bio-fuel, on a big scale, confirms Fiji Trade and Investment Board chairman Francis Narayan.

“There has been considerable interest shown by investors in Vanua Levu, but the flood situation has put everything on hold really,” he adds.

“They are more worried about Fiji’s flood situation however we at FTIB have made a point to talk to investors on a one on one basis and we have been telling them about the tax breaks that can be enjoyed by them if they choose to invest in Vanua Levu.

“As we are talking, there have already been confirmed projects such as hotels in Savusavu and a world class golf course in Natewa Bay. What we are looking at is development that will happen in the near future which will help revamp the North.”

The Northern Division, particularly Savusavu Town, has seen a boom in economic activity recently.

The Public Rental Board last week announced that it is building new flats to accommodate rising demands for housing.

PRB boss Mesake Senibulu said there has been an influx of people into Savusavu, especially from Labasa residents.

Savusavu is also benefiting from the tourist dollar.

The interim Government expects 16 cruise ships to visit the ‘hidden paradise’ this year.

Interim Attorney-General and Acting Minister for Tourism Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the visit of cruise liner, Pacific Dawn, with over 2000 passengers, last Friday was expected to inject $F100,000 into Savusavu in one day.

Sayed-Khaiyum added that there were plans in place to further develop Savusavu into a tourism town.

State media reports that inbound tour operations were taking tourists to two villages (Nukubalavu and Nukutoso), Waisale Rainforest and a black pearl farm.

Tourism Fiji targets cruise ship sector

Tourism Fiji targets cruise ship sector
16/02/2009- Fijilive

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Plans are now in place to increase the flow of cruise liners through niche marketing activities showcasing lesser known areas of Fiji.

This was confirmed by Tourism Fiji chairman Patrick Wong today who said it was these cruise liners that generated and contributed the much needed foreign exchange earnings in the short period of time visiting our shores.

Wong said some of the non-traditional tourism areas that could benefit from cruise liners included the northern islands, Lomaiviti, Kadavu, Lau and Rotuma.

He said these plans would call for participation from all sectors in the community, from meke performers, firewalkers, entertainers, tour guides, ground operators, taxis and bus drivers, wood cavers, and weavers, etcetera.

“It also spreads the benefits of the tourism dollar by promoting non-traditional tourism areas and activities, supporting transportation companies, boat operators and small tourism related enterprise,” Wong said.

“It supports the government’s policy of spreading the tourism dollar throughout the islands and in support of small owner-operators, indigenous investors in the eco-tourism market such as trekking, diving, bird watching and soft adventure,” he said.

Wong said proposed plans would ensure the promotion of locally-owned enterprises that have no internationally-recognised branding and placing an emphasis on its unique selling points.

“But there is much work to be done with infrastructure on charting of our waters and identifying berthing and suitable mooring sights for the large liners” he said.

All is well with Fiji tourism

All is well with Fiji tourism
3-Feb-2009 08:48 AM - Fiji daily Post online

ALL resorts in Fiji are fully functional despite the devastating effects of the recent floods in the country says interim Minister for Tourism Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

While briefing members of the overseas and local media at a special press conference held at the Tourism Fiji boardroom in Nadi yesterday, Sayed-Khaiyum reiterated the consolidated efforts of the industry stakeholders who are expected to be rolling out special packages for visitors in association with national airline Air Pacific.

“We are quite keen to see tourists coming back to Fiji and in particular from our traditional markets in Australia and New Zealand where fifty percent of our visitors come from,” Sayed-Khaiyum said.

He said all stakeholders were working with various product managers and agents who were promoting Fiji to ensure a swift return of visitors after the recent natural disasters.

“We deeply acknowledge the part that Air Pacific and the various resorts are playing in driving this campaign forward together with Tourism Fiji which has various marketing strategies put in place,” Sayed-Khaiyum added.

“And of course we would like the local media to work closely with Tourism Fiji and the various resorts in promoting Fiji.”

Meanwhile Tourism Fiji which was formerly known as the Fiji Visitors Bureau will be officially launching its new name and logo this Friday.

Tourism Fiji chief executive Josefa Tuamoto confirmed the launch to the members of the media present at the press conference aimed at creating awareness for Fiji’s visitors that everything was back to normal in the country.

The prestigious Aon Risk sponsored 2008 Excellence in Tourism Awards is also scheduled to be held at the new look Sheraton Fiji Resort in Denarau Island this Friday.


By SHALENDRA PRASAD