NADI – Torrential rains and the global financial crisis are cited by Fiji for its worst ever tourist season.
Visitor numbers from its two biggest markets, Australia and New Zealand, are well down this summer, say tourism officials.
Fiji Islands Hotels Association president Dixon Seeto told AAP extensive January flooding in the country’s west and north had been the biggest deterrent for tourists.
The storms killed 11 people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the tourist town of Nadi, leaving a huge damages bill to repair roads, power lines and water pipes.
Tourism Fiji chairman Patrick Wong said times were tough for tourism, rating the current situation “the worst since the industry’s formation”.
But he said an aggressive new tourism campaign launched in the past week was boosting bookings for February and March.
“Our marketing’s just started now and we are optimistic of the future even though it’s tough to make predictions now, given the circumstances surrounding the global economy,” he told Fiji Sun newspaper.
