Kiwi wholesaler stops promoting Fiji tourism
A report in the Fiji Times says that Fiji product has already been removed from the shelves of one of New Zealand’s major tourism wholesalers, with others expected to follow suit, with major tourism wholesalers in New Zealand contemplating the removal of Fiji from their listings following the expulsion of New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Michael Green.
The development has left local industry stakeholders pleading for support from their New Zealand counterparts and government, with New Zealand the second largest source for Fiji tourism after Australia.
There was a similar situation in 2005 following the introduction of the much-disputed bed tax, with for 10 months, the tourism industry experiencing major difficulties trying to attract visitors as wholesalers refused to sell Fiji as a favourable destination because of the confusion created by the new tax.
The Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association confirmed that a major wholesaler in New Zealand had pulled out all posters and pamphlets on Fiji from its shelves
Association president Dixon Seeto said they were very concerned with the latest development.
Mr Seeto pleaded with New Zealand authorities to ensure the economic relationship between the countries was not severed as a result of Mr Green’s expulsion. Mr Seeto said it was vital they received the support of authorities in New Zealand and no retaliatory measures were put in place.
He said Mr Green’s expulsion by interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama came as a surprise to industry stakeholders.
However, he said they were encouraged by statements from New Zealand Foreign Minister, Winston Peters that they were going to react to the situation very carefully.
Mr Peters said New Zealand did not wish to put in place measures that would ultimately affect the people of Fiji.
Questions sent to Fiji Visitors Bureau chief executive officer, Viliame Gavoka, yesterday remained unanswered.
Attempts to contact interim Tourism Minister, Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau were unsuccessful.
Mr Seeto said people in the industry were working reduced hours and the situation would be worsened if the Fiji product was removed from all wholesalers’ listings.
Mr Seeto said Fiji needed the support of all source markets, including New Zealand, as the industry tried to recover from the effects of the December 5 takeover.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive