MEDIACOM-RELEASE-FIJI-VISITORS' BUREAU

KIWIS GET NOD TO GO BACK TO FIJI

News that the New Zealand Government has modified its travel advisory for Fiji has been welcomed by the Fiji Visitors Bureau regional director for New Zealand, Penny Henderson.

Advice was received late yesterday that the Government now believes it is safe for New Zealanders to travel to the Mamanucas, Yasawas, Nadi and Coral Coast areas.

A major part of Fiji's tourism industry is based in these areas. "This is very good news for Fiji," Penny says.

"The past 12 weeks since the coup have seen visitor numbers drop dramatically and this has directly affected more than 40,000 ordinary Fiji citizens who have either lost their jobs or had their hours dramatically reduced in the tourism industry."

Before May 19, the Fiji Visitors Bureau was expecting a record year with more than 72,000 Kiwis visiting Fiji.

By June total visitor numbers to Fiji were down by 68 per cent and it is now expected that the number of New Zealanders visiting this year may fall below the 1985 low of 10,000.

The fact that the travel advisory has been modified in this way is sufficient for Fiji's Tourism Action Group (TAG) to launch its recovery programme in New Zealand, Penny says.

This will provide discounts of up to 30 per cent on holiday packages in Fiji.

"Already one airline has announced a $599 airfare special."

ENDS

MEDIA RELEASE ON BEHALF OF THE FIJI VISITORS BUREAU

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