CTM Resorts Managing Director Paul Cutler has said its high time the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade to take action to downgrade its current grade three (high degree of caution) travel advisory to Fiji.
His comments follow the decision by Fiji’s interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, to relax the state of emergency imposed on 05 December when the Commodore seized control of the country.
Mr Cutler, who represents several high profile Fijian hotels and resorts within Australia, said it was time the Australian government listened to what the travel industry and Australians travelling to Fiji have been trying to say for some six months.
“The destination is – and always has been – completely safe for tourists,” he said.
“With Fiji approaching its traditional high season, Commodore Bainimarama’s timing couldn’t have been better and there are a lot of beds to fill in Fiji right now – particularly on the main island of Viti Levu.”
Mr Cutler said the family and couples/romantic travel market, which had continued to come to Fiji in the face of all travel advisories, albeit in diluted numbers, was predicted to bounce back very strongly.
“We’re also keen to see an increase in the MICE market which has been noted by its absence in recent months.
“From the perspective of tourism, the decision to lift the state of emergency can only help to further enhance the Fiji experience for Australian travellers.
“The Fijians never lost their magnificent smiles and this is only going to make them smile even more.”
“And as everyone knows, happy Fijians make for very happy tourists,” he said.
Report by The Mole
