Local companies are realigning some of their business strategies in support of Government’s climate change initiatives.

In the tourism transport sector, Pacific Destinations Fiji has taken the lead role. They are investing in hybrid cars.

Managing director James Sowane said the hybrid vehicles are proving to be a good investment for the company in terms of performance.

He said it has also reduced operating costs.

“More importantly, it has a positive contribution to our environment with its reduced carbon emission.”

Pacific Destinations has invested in Toyota RAV 4 Hybrids.

The plan is to gradually replace their aging SUV vehicles with Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid.

In the long run, the company can expect further reduction in operating cost.

The National Budget for 2017-2018, Government announced that all new hybrid vehicles will be imported duty-free. In addition, the fiscal duty and import duty on batteries and cells used for hybrid vehicles is reduced from 32 per cent to 5 per cent.

New uniform

Another crucial decision for the company was acquiring a new set of uniforms for the different departments.

Mr Sowane said the concept was to move away from the typical floral pattern.

“We reached out to one of Fiji’s best artists, Maria Rova who suggested and developed the concept of Reki.

“We also wanted to create different designs, colours and patterns for our respective teams.”

There are tree different styles:

Airport and Tour Desks Consultants

 Professional Drivers

Reservations and Accounts Teams.

Mr Sowane added that it was also an honour to have the talent of Alexandra Philp, who designed the three different patterns, and the support services of Motiram, who put it all together.

The company’s overall objective was to enhance a sense of pride, professionalism and belonging for the Pacific Destinations team, Mr Sowane said.

“It is to remind them that when they are in uniform that they are not only representing our company, but they are representing themselves, their families and Fiji to the international visitors we service during their Fiji holidays.

“As a 100 per cent Fijian owned and operated business, we are very proud of the outcome and humbled by the many positive feedback we have received to date.”

In 2005, their uniforms were designed by Robert Kennedy.