Editorial: Super Boost For Our Tourism Industry But Let’s Not Forget Our ‘Unsung Heroes’

We all love our Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, we love to be at their home game venues every time they play their Shop and Save Super Rugby Pacific match.

The excitement they bring with our very own brand of rugby, known as the Fijian flair, which has captivated the rugby world over the years.

Having the Drua playing in Super Rugby since 2022 has benefitted the country’s tourism industry in a big way.

The high number of Australia and New Zealand visitors, coming to our shores to support their respective clubs or family members who are playing.

We appreciate the packages like the Drua Experience put together by the franchise club, which has been a hit not only to our overseas visitors but locals as well.

The televised home games, which give overseas viewers, a peek of what Fiji has to offer and possibly lure them to fly over and be part of the excitement.

However, one area that needs improvement is the type of entertainment.

Why put a band on stage that plays the kind of music that we can hear in any part of Australia or New Zealand?

What about promoting our own Fijian music of vude and our renowned sigidrigi groups?

On the same note what about putting on stage some of the country’s seasoned and talented musicians?

These are likes of world-rated jazz guitarist Tom Mawi, Ken Jansen, Seru Serevi, Laisa Vulakoro, Georgina Ledua, Saimoni Vuatalevu, Freddy Fesaitu, Sami Mawi, Ronald Jai, Bill Beddoes, Waikoula kei Tavua, Drodrolagi kei Nautusolo, Makare (Simi Rova, Phil Dakei and Bigwilz), Freddie Kado (Black Rose), Ratu Jo Tabakaucoro’s One 2 Eight, Rusiate Ralulu of the Western Musician and Entertainment Association and so on.

These are the unsung heroes of the country’s tourism industry.

These seasoned musicians and groups have been the backbone of the country’s tourism industry the past many decades.

They are the reasons why tourists return to our shores to hear them play in island resorts, cruise ships, nightclubs, restaurants and hotels.

Getting them on stage to provide entertainment during Super Rugby games, will definitely lift our profile as a host nation and a perfect platform to promote the music we’re renowned for.

This in return, on a long term, will benefit the country in many ways. So, why not include them?

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj