01/07/09, 18:34:32 UTC

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Ouch, says tourism

fijitimes.com

Fiji - THE reactivation of the Public Emergency Regulations Act will have some effect on visitor arrivals, says Tourism Action Group chairman, Damend Gounder.

Mr Gounder said there was an instant reverse in travel advisories in reaction to the announcement of the reactivation by interim Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum on Thursday.

"I hope the act is here only temporarily," he said. He hoped the PER Act would not be in place after October before the peak period for tourist arrivals was just around the corner, when potential traveller from destinations around the world took time off for holidays abroad.

On Friday, some industry players were optimistic the reactivation of the Public Emergency Regulation would not have a major impact on their operations.

Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association president Dixon Seeto said the industry hoped the regulation would not affect tourist arrivals.

"It's a good thing there are no roadblocks and, all in all, we hope that tourist numbers will not be affected.

Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau chairman Patrick Wong said the reactivation of the decree may affect tourist numbers.

He said while the re-issue of travel advisories by Australia and New Zealand were a worry, they hoped to continue with campaigns to pass Fiji off as the safest holiday destination in the region.

"We're monitoring the situation very closely and it may affect tourist arrivals but Fiji is still the safest destination," said Mr Wong.

"Suva is where the impact of the decree can be most felt as this is where most of the action takes place."

He said since most tourist activities happened outside the capital city, the reactivation was not likely to make a major impact on operations.

The Australian and New Zealand foreign affairs ministries have re-issued travel advisories, telling their nationals of the reactivation of the decree since September 6 and are warning them to be cautious when in the capital city.

Nationals of the two countries have been advised to steer clear of public gatherings and political rallies.

The interim Government has reactivated the decree after what it claims has been inciting and discrediting comments by ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party.

 Printable Version  | published Sep 10, 2007