Peace Breaks Out On Holiday
Sun Herald
Sunday August 5, 2007
David Sygall finds the island's heart is still welcoming, despite the travel warnings.
AS YOU sit by one of the amazing pools at the brand-spanking-new Radisson Resort Hotel at Denarau Island, sipping your third caprioska and listening to the wavy harmonics of local musicians, it's hard to imagine why people would stay away from Fiji. But that's exactly what's happening. With a shady modern history of political instability, the tiny Pacific jewel is suffering major damage to its tourism industry. And, as seems to happen wherever travel warnings advise us to avoid, the people being hurt are those who can least afford it. Since the latest coup in December Fiji has suffered a drop of 15 to 20 per cent in visitor numbers, resulting in a big fall in income from what was a $F700 million ($510million) industry. In much the same way as in Bali, the winners have been those visitors who have done their homework, and at the resorts you wouldn't be aware of any political or social rumblings going on outside.Meanwhile, the ripple effect of the industry's woes has rocked many who depend most on tourism - the villagers who grow the produce for the hotels, the entertainment industry, small retailers and service industry workers.The new regime in Fiji is not popular with the Australian or New Zealand governments. However, Fiji Tourism Minister Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau told me she believes Aussies and Kiwis realise that the warnings are political rhetoric and that anyone who visits Fiji will know there is nothing to fear.Rounds-Ganilau said a comprehensive recovery effort is gradually being implemented to restore the country's reputation with its powerful neighbours, whose residents represent up to 60 per cent of Fiji's visitors.There is optimism on the island. The opening of the $F96 million four-star Radisson Resort on reclaimed land 20 minutes out of Nadi, is an example of the continuing foreign investment and development of the Denarau tourism area. The Denarau area now houses seven hotels with 2000 rooms. The hotels are competing for business, so there are opportunities for clever holiday-makers to score good rates. Many of the hotels and the deals they offer are directed towards couples. However, the Radisson has taken a different tack by trying to win over the family market. Its 270 rooms and suites are built in a U shape around three different and spectacular pools that are linked via bridges and fountains. One pool is for adults, one for children and there is a common pool. The water slide is a hit with children and, if you're worried about spending some quality time with your partner, remember that Fijian nannies are world renowned.Across the road is a golf course, down the road is a tennis complex, and a range of activities, including paragliding and scuba diving, are easily accessible from the nearby Port Denarau Marina, which will be open for business - Hard Rock Cafe and all - in September. One of my favourite outings while I was there was a day cruise to the islands, where we snorkelled, ate and drank too much and met some great people. Definitely no sign of political problems out there.Among the 241 strategies Rounds-Ganilau is implementing between now and 2009 is a strong increase in marketing, which - despite the travel warnings - will almost certainly revive Fiji's tourism industry. The message? Get in quick if you want a good deal.
© 2007 Sun Herald