We’ve Made It Clear Only Certain Parts Affected: Ramsden

The Coconut Wireless (Fiji Sun  February 28, 2016 P4) urged New Zealand to review its travel advice regarding Fiji.

Like Fiji, New Zealand is dependent on tourism and susceptible to natural disasters.  The New Zealand Government therefore considers its travel advice very carefully.

In fact New Zealand amended its travel advice twice in the week following Cyclone Winston.

The first change, on 22 February, the day after Winston passed, removed the “high risk” level.  The second change made it clear that only certain parts of Fiji were affected by the cyclone.

In my engagement with the media, I have repeated the Fiji Government’s message that Fiji’s tourism industry is open for business. We expect further amendments to the travel advisory as the recovery effort continues to advance.

The Government and people of New Zealand stand strong with Fiji at this most challenging time, as demonstrated by our extensive relief effort.

Kia kaha e hoa,

Mark Ramsden

New Zealand High Commissioner

Returned to Pre-Winston Levels, says Twomey

I wish to clarify any misunderstanding by the Fiji Sun regarding the current status of Australia’s travel advisory for Fiji (‘Coconut Wireless’ onSunday, February 28, 2016).

I am pleased to confirm that on Friday 26 February Australia returned its level of travel advice to pre-cyclone Winston levels.

This was after consultation with both the Fiji Government and the Fiji tourism industry.

Out of consideration for those hotels and resorts who were particularly severely affected we are asking potential Australian travellers to check in advance to ensure their intended place of stay is open and operational.

The private sector – and tourism in particular – will have an important role to play in getting Fiji’s economy back quickly on its feet after the devastating impact of cyclone Winston.  Australians stand ready to help.

Australian tourists are loyal return visitors to Fiji.  More than 367,000 Australians visited Fiji in 2015.

Already Australian tourists are back on planes arriving at Nadi airport.

The Australian Government supports the important message of the Fiji Government that Fiji is back open for business.

Margaret Twomey

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj