Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort general manager Craig Powell yesterday said all stakeholders needed to work together to improve the numbers from the $250,000 has been lost to the tourism industry due to cancellations.

“I would encourage people to be more proactive than reactive,” Mr Powell said.

“It does not only fall only on business houses but on local councils and the Government.

“We need to eliminate breeding sights particularly in flood prone area as mosquitoes breed in flood prone area where there is stagnant water.”

Mr Powell was speaking during the Zika Awareness Seminar held at Sheraton Fiji Resort at the Denarau Island in Nadi which was facilitated by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with HOTEC and Moffet Saloon Culinaire.

“The seminar  was to inform the public to be proactive and provide assurance to others that Fiji is a safe destination that we are responsible operators and working closely with local governments and relevant authorities to tackle this serious issue,” Mr Powell said.

“The tourism sector is already implementing measures.

“Clearly we want to attract visitors to our shores and we have had cancellations as well.

“What was surprising for me today was to know that we have 43 confirmed cases since February that could possibly grow if we are not careful about our action how to effectively deal and cope with the situation.

“This is the first of many workshops and hope the Ministry of Health continues to have seminars like this particular when we are going into cyclone season.

“Ministry of Health also has a website where people acccess information from.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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