Tourism Fiji is anticipating its biggest month yet with over 30,000 tourist arrivals projected this month.

As 14 resorts reopen around the country today, the labour force in the tourism industry is believed to jump up an additional 10 per cent to 20 per cent.

“Our tourism workforce total will be back at work after mid-April,” Tourism Fiji chief executive officer, Brent Hill, said.

By the end of July, 2022, tourist arrivals should be around 119,000, he said.

“We have been tracking well towards that target, and it looks like we are on a firm upward trajectory.”

Expo
A super busy season for the tourism sector, stakeholders are also preparing for the Fiji Tourism Expo in May.

A calendar event for the industry that has not been held in Fiji for the past two years, it promises to host hundreds from the international community.

“We will be sharing our targets and corporate plan shortly around the Fiji Tourism Expo,” Mr Hill said.

14 Resorts
The Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa is the only resort that will not re-open in time for this season, Tourism Fiji said.

However, the super-charged atmosphere in the sector makes for exciting industry news.

“Essentially, we will then be fully open with only really the Westin still to come, because of renovation,” he said.

The 14 resorts are:
– Barefoot Manta Island Resort,

– Plantation Island Resort,

– Lomani Island Resort,

– Malamala Beach Club,

– Matamanoa Island Resort,

– Octopus Island Resort,

– Paradise Cove Resort,

– Six Senses Fiji,

– Tropica Island Resort,

– Oarsman’s Bay Lodge,

– Garden Island Resort,

– Wadigi Island,

– Sheraton Denarau Villas,

– Novotel Nadi Hotel.

April 7 and April 17
From April 7, travellers need to be fully vaccinated to qualify for entry.

“That means, they have to carry out pre-departure tests, and tests at 48 hours,” Mr Hill said.

“For Australia and New Zealand, from April 17, no tests will be required upon entry.

“Travel insurance is always required for travel.”

Meanwhile, at Plantation Island Resort in the Mamanucas, the journey to reopen is leading up to another emotional occasion.

That’s because the staff consider every guest as family, said group director of sales and marketing, Raumati Barbara.

Raffe Hotels and Resorts
Plantation Island Resort is one of three local Raffe Hotels and Resorts properties.

Lomani Island Resort is Raffe Hotels and Resorts’ boutique, luxury destination.

Three swimming pools, three dining outlets and beachside barbecue opens from today.

“Lomani Island Resort has completed their new arrivals bure and new bar, bringing five years of developments to completion with a quality four-star romance focused resort,” she said.

“Lomani Island Resort has had great support from our Australian and North American visitors, and is already looking healthy for 2022.

Plantation Island Resort has had a slower start, because its key market, New Zealander, was not able to travel without quarantine until
recently.

In the last month, bookings from New Zealand and Australia havearrived in volumes, Ms Barbaran said.

“We are working on some special deals for locals,” she said.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj