Fiji is now preparing to welcome visitors from countries which are COVID-19 free.
This was announced by Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya while launching the Care Fiji Commitment Programme in Suva yesterday. The Care Fiji Commitment Programme is designated to reassure travellers that Fiji is a safe destination to visit on their next holiday.
Mr Koya said: “We have managed to stand out from the rest of the world and are now demonstrating our ability to safely welcome visitors back to our shores.”
About the Care Fiji Commitment Programme
The Care Fiji Commitment Programme is Fiji’s obligation to the health and safety of everyone living in and traveling to Fiji. He said it was crucial that consumers see and recognise the changes,
and are assured that Fiji, is not only the best holiday destination, but the safest. “And this is precisely what the Care Fiji Commitment programme is about.”
He said it goes without saying that for a small island nation in the Pacific, Fiji has done phenomenally well in containing the spread of COVID-19. “Outside of border quarantine, we have zero cases and are fortunate to be able to call ourselves COVID-19 contained.
The programme, he said aims to extend the same level of care to all our international visitors and optimise sector-wide recovery efforts. “We will achieve this by ensuring that the Fijian tourism industry adopts minimum standards of health and hygiene practices. “The initiative provides added confidence to those who are contemplating a visit to our beautiful shores that Fiji is a safe place to travel to. “The border may not be open as yet, but I’m proud to say that when it does, we will be in a state of readiness to welcome visitors back.”
Guide tourism businesses
Mr Koya said when the borders reopen; the visitor expectation would change dramatically. Back in July 2020, as part of the Fijian COVID Safe Economic Recovery Framework, COVID Safe Operational Guidelines for the Fijian Tourism Industry was launched. This was to guide tourism businesses into the new reality and to re-instill trust in the Fijian brand.
The Care Fiji Commitment builds on these Guidelines and highlights the importance of restoring confidence through safety and security protocols, designed to reduce risks at each step of the tourism value chain.
The programme gives industry the tools, training and resources they need to comply with these guidelines. It also gives consumers consistency about what they can expect no matter where they go in Fiji. It also outlines the steps to be taken in case there is a case and how to respond. “We need our businesses, our hotels, our tour operators and every Fijian to come on board and stand in solidarity with us as we all make this commitment together. “
Mr Koya was also confident that this programme would play a significant role in Tourism Fiji’s market re-entry plans. “It will also encourage all businesses and industry stakeholders to adopt the programme and play their part.” Mr Koya also acknowledged our healthcare, disciplinary forces and frontline heroes, for their tireless efforts and commitment to keep Fijians safe.
“Our message to the world remains, our Bula spirit awaits you.” Tourism Fiji chief executive officer, Matthew Stoeckel said: “Our visitors’ health and wellbeing are our top priority.
“We know safety is of top of mind for travelers and we aim to reassures them to choose Fiji for their next holiday with confidence through Care Fiji Commitment. “It is a programme that will only be successful through the support of our industry, and I ask each and every business in Fiji to take the Care Fiji Commitment and work with us to get ready for our international visitors.”
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