Fiji’s infrastructure and history of sporting success opens scores of chances of furthering sport tourism. With international rugby tournaments lined up for the coming months in Fiji, and the development of a cycling pump track underway, Tourism Fiji is confident of a further boost in tourist arrivals.

“We are working on an economic impact on sport tourism,” chief executive officer Brent Hill said.

Sport tourism is also creating jobs – like the recently advertised marketing officer’s post for the sport tourism section of Jack’’s marketing sports and tourism.

Cycling Fiji secured $30,000 through Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), a Switzerland-based cycling body, including support from private construction companies in Fiji, for the construction of the site.

Minister for Tourism, Faiyaz Koya, said with recovery being better than expected, it was an opportune time to invest.

Cycling Fiji president, Peter Sinclair, said Tour Fiji – an event that was expected to bring global cyclists to Fiji – will be held on the weekend of October 10.

“Tour Fiji is an event we market overseas,” Mr Sinclair said.

“We engage with cyclists from all over the world coming over to participate at the three-day event.” Eroni Takape, a local cyclist for more than 10 years, said the sport needed to be developed with a great number of both locals and tourists participating.

He believes that cycling, like rugby and high school athletics, has the strength to be developed into a national sport.

“I believe that cycling can create an opportunity for young people, especially locals to get hands-on experience,” Mr Takape said.

“More than 100 tourists participate in our organised marathon, with events taking place in the interior of Viti Levu – such as Namosi and Naitasiri.”

The 48-year-old said cycling as a professional sport was new in Fiji. But so was rugby when Fiji played its first sevens match in Fiji played their first Test match on 18 August 1924.

Mr Takape runs a bike rental and repair outlet that operates at City Apartments, Robertson Road, Suva..

Story by: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj