Businesses Resume, Tourism Takes Lead

Businesses have welcomed the Government’s announcement of the resumption of operations.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimrama said businesses would reopen from today. following a 70 per cent vaccination level for second jabbers.
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association thanked the country for helping work towards the common goal that has re-opened business operations.
“Thank you for helping us bring back our employees, and thank you for supporting us to stay safe,” chief executive officer, Fantasha Lockington said.
But like all things, the journey begins at home, she said.
“As our domestic tourism market restarts after a five-month hiatus, we are very aware that doing this safely will set us on our road to reopening successfully to the rest of the world,” Mrs Lockington said.
“The tourism sector is buoyed by everyone’s collective efforts in ensuring economic recovery can commence through being fully vaccinated so that we can all return to work and school and sports.”
The association was part of the deliberation team that discussed the national reopening framework.
“We urge you to use only those businesses that have been Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) approved, because they have been confirmed to provide the safest service and products for you.
“Remember consistent mask-wearing, social distancing, hand sanitising and the usage of the Care Fiji app is really important.
“This is a part of our lives now, no matter where we are in Fiji.
“Book that weekend getaway, take that multi-night cruise, utilise the dive facilities, dine in and see and experience parts of Fiji you may never have seen before.”
Suva Retailers Association At 70 per cent capacity, Suva business operators expect to resume by gradual increase.
“We can’t drop our guards,” Suva Retailers Association said.
Association president, Jitesh Patel, said business operators were aware of the penalties associated with not adhering to stringent protocols put in place for businesses to observe.
“We welcome back more workers, who will work more hours, to earn a little more money,” he said.
“The freedom is there, but it comes with conditions.”
Nadi
Nadi restaurater chef Lance Seeto, of Kanu Gastropub, has called on people to come out of their houses in support of the Government.
The Martintar-based eatery will reopen today.
“We were so excited about it,” he said.
“I am sure the customers are excited as well, as they want to sit down and have a good meal and a drink,” Mr Seeto said.
“After seven months, finally the business reopens again.
“Now, it’s just a matter of settling down, making money and paying the bills.”
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