The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) said the lifting of internal borders allowed tourism operators and the comprehensive supply chains closer interaction, as they put in motion reopening plans.

Association chief executive officer, Fantasha Lockington, said the last five months of Fiji’s various versions of lockdown allowed operators to prepare for the reopening announcement whilst being closed or partially closed, even though their staff have been fully vaccinated for some time.

Mrs Lockington said there was still much to do.

Island-based resorts, dive and marine operators spread around the maritime areas still need to be able to access their workplaces, and get staff across as they prepare for guests as well as the approaching cyclone season.

Excitement was building for what Fiji had to offer, Mrs Lockington said.

“We hope we can continue the momentum for rolling out safer protocols, combined with a continued relaxation of restrictions, to raise the confidence levels of travellers from our core markets that Fiji really is ready for them.”

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