A Tourism Council of Nadi (TCN) was launched at the New Nadi Farmers Club on Friday night, in bid to improve the town’s tourism efforts and image.

Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) president Dr Ram Raju said, “The formation of TCN is an important step the chamber has taken.”

He said the objective is to promote and support the development of the industry with the interest of the stakeholders.

“It’s a good idea and we have signed the MOU as part of the inclusive and exclusiveness of the tourism sector in the town improvement and need to work together for the betterment of the various tourism businesses,” Dr Raju added.

Dr Raju said business on Denarau Island has taken over from the town.

TCN chairman Chandra Prakash said, “TCN is peak bodies represent tourism business industry in Nadi under NCCI and will be a voice of 255 businesses in town.”

He said main focus is to promote and create awareness of Nadi town to benefit business from domestic and international tourism.

“All this can be possible if we have one voice and then we will be able to revive Nadi town for tourists. We thank the government for the investment to promote Fiji as a destination,” Mr Prakash said.

He said a tourism guide will be launched as well.

Tourism Fiji Global Public Relations Manager Patricia Mallam said, “Tourism Fiji congratulates the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the diligent efforts put into establishing the Tourism Council of Nadi.”

She added, “Innovative developments as such are revolutionary for any community and the fact that the private sector has identified serious issues such as touting and complaints by tourists and gone ahead to develop strategies to turn them into opportunities will definitely add to the positive growth of the tourism industry in Fiji.”