Australia’s change in policy over iso­lation time marks a significant mo­ment in Fiji’s tourism.

Tourism Fiji chief executive officer, Brent Hill, said Australia had changed to Rapid Antigen Test for pre-departure, from poly­merase chain reaction.

This and the change in the isolation policy to seven days for positive cases from 14, were results of regular dialogue with the Australian Government, he said.

The two matters were identified as the most significant barriers to tourism, Mr Hill said.

“We are thrilled that the Australian Gov­ernment has seen fit to make the change,” he said.

“I have no doubt this will boost our book­ings, particularly heading into the high sea­son from April onwards.

“Coupled with Queensland recently drop­ping any quarantine requirements for re­turning international travellers, it is now far easier, cheaper and simpler for Austral­ians to travel to and from Fiji.”

Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association chief executive officer, Fantasha Lockington, is holding talks with her Australian counter­parts today for more details.

The race to reopening international bor­ders on December 1, 20221, brought inter­national attention to Fiji, as excited stake­holders each pitched in their fair share to safeguard all necessary processes involved.

Hundreds of international arrivals passed through Nadi International Airport on the day.

Tourism Fiji said over one hundred mil­lion dollars was expected to be generated by the economy from visitor arrivals by the end of next month.

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