Fiji welcomes back international cruise calls
Following a more than two year ban, Fiji has reopened its international borders to cruise ships.
This move comes six months after the resumption of air travel into the country, which has successfully seen over 118,000 tourist arrivals into Fiji.
Similar to international air travel, cruising will resume in line by entry conditions established by the Fijian Government.
Welcoming back cruise ships back into Fijian waters is a key move for Fiji’s ongoing economic recovery.
Pre-Covid, cruise companies, their passengers, and crew spent FJ$44.2 million (£16.5million) annually in Fiji.
The 2018 study on the economic impact of cruise tourism in Fiji revealed that each cruise ship voyage brings an average of FJ$305,000 (£113,497) in spending per port of call and each passenger spends FJ$90 (£33.50).
It will directly benefit handicraft sellers, which are mostly women, as well as local tour operators who regularly line up at the Lautoka port on cruise days.
To ensure the safe return of cruising to Fiji, the Fijian Government has put in place additional measures:
All cruise passengers and crew must be fully vaccinated with a Fiji recognised Covid-19 vaccine.
A Rapid Antigen Test taken within 24 hours is required to come ashore and proof of insurance, with international coverage of Covid-19 is needed.
All onshore excursions will also be guided by health and safety protocols, including the Care Fiji Commitment.
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