The Fiji Instances‘Tourism saving Fiji’ – Arrival forecasts concern minister
Whereas an upsurge in resort bookings is a large increase for the Fijian financial system because it rebounds from the financial fallout of the COVID-19 disaster, Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka is worried the trade could not have the ability to cater for the rise in customer arrivals anticipated in 2023.
He mentioned after latest consultations with tourism stakeholders within the Western Division and forecasts that the primary quarter arrivals can be the perfect ever in Fiji’s historical past, it was discovered there was an actual want for extra resorts and motels.
“So there’s a momentum that has been constructing for Fiji and that’ll carry us via to this yr and the Minister of Finance spoke yesterday (Thursday) concerning the financial system and he had indicated that tourism would be the saviour of Fiji for 2023 and 2024,” he mentioned.
“We will likely be banking on tourism and additional down the road the opposite sectors of the financial system will kick in however instantly tourism is saving Fiji.”
Mr Gavoka mentioned the peaceable transition of presidency after the 2022 Basic Election could possibly be a contributing issue to this.
“One of many considerations that we’ve got is that there’s going to be a rise in airline seats coming to Fiji with Fiji Airways including extra flights.
“The priority is to marry that with the lodging and stock on the bottom.
“We’re speaking about seats versus beds.
“Everyone seems to be feeling very assured about 2023 a lot in order that a number of the motels are forecasting for the primary quarter to be the perfect ever of their historical past.
“The primary quarter from January to March is generally the troublesome interval for enterprise however right here we’re having the motels and the airways saying that they’ve by no means seen the form of bookings that they’ve of their books at this time.
“So the momentum that began from post-COVID continues to be very sturdy. We’re driving on a wave that can carry tourism again in an enormous manner in 2023.”
