Fiji's main tourism belt safe from cyclone

Viti Levu, Fiji's main tourism belt unscratched in yclone- business as usual

Nadi, Fiji islands – With Tropical Cyclone Tomas now more than 250 kilometres south of the big island of Viti Levu and well away from the majority of the country’s tourism plant, Tourism Fiji has advised international air services into the country are now back on full schedule and the clean-up operation has already begun.

Tourism Fiji CEO Josefa Tuamoto advised that full power and communications had been restored in the north-east of the country – Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Savusavu – the region bearing the brunt of the cyclone which passed over the region late last night (Monday).

Mr Tuamoto said that the winds had died down dramatically allowing hoteliers and resort operators an opportunity clean up their properties with much of the damage restricted to felled palm trees.

“We have been very fortunate in the fact that none of our industry colleagues in the north-east has reported any injuries to clients or staff or any major structural damage,” he said.

However domestic flights will remain suspended until aviation authorities have had an opportunity to assess local airfields.

Mr Tuamoto said it was a very different story on the big island of Viti Levu and in the nearby Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands where the bulk of Fiji’s tourism infrastructure is located and which remained untouched by the cyclone’s passing.

On the water boutique cruise operators Blue Lagoon Cruises, Captain Cook Cruises and South Sea Cruises are expected to resume full operations once the Fiji Islands Maritime Safety Administration has given all three companies the go ahead.

This may be as early as tonight.

ENDS

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