TravelMole readers back Fiji

SYDNEY – There has been a strong reaction this week from TravelMole readers in response to a call for Australians to boycott travel to Fiji made by a Sydney-based spokeswoman for the International Federation of Journalists.

Speaking on ABC Radio National, IFJ’s Deborah Muir said, “The International Federation of Journalists would strongly urge people who are considering holidays in Fiji to think twice about it and to use the rights that they have in the free countries in which they live to inform themselves what is happening elsewhere in the world.”

Most of our readers who responded to the story believe a travel ban would do more harm than good, especially to the travel sector workforce and its dependents.

Here’s a selection of views. More on the TravelMole Asia Pacific website.

David Beirman said:

“The call by a group of journalists to ban travel to Fiji will only harm the Fijian people. It should be understood that over 37 percent of Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product is sourced from tourism and this means that tourism is the country’s largest employer and an attack on Fijian tourism is an attack on the Fijian people not the government.”

He added, “Journalists have an ethical responsibility to report the truth without fear or favour and while some journalists believe that it is their role to be moral crusaders there needs to be some responsibility about the targets they choose.

“Whatever one thinks about the Fijian government it does not attack tourists, tourists are safe and welcome on Fiji and should be free to make their own decisions on whether they visit Fiji or not based on the facts rather than responding to the soapbox antics of a group of journalists, however well intentioned they may be.”

Roderick Eime, a travel writer, responded:

“As a frequently travelling travel journo I occasionally find myself in these situations. I recently travelled to Zimbabwe, Thailand and am considering Burma.

“Yes, there is always the possibility some of your travel dollars will find their way into the regime’s coffers, but on balance I believe travel is good at countering dictatorships. It gives you a chance to see the plight of the local people and help them in a small way.”

He added, “Coincidentally the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) are considering having their 2010 AGM in Fiji. I am a member of this society and quite looking forward to this event.

“I’m also hoping the added publicity will draw attention to the plight of Fijians and that the Fiji Tourism officials recognise that most Australians have a deep affection for their country and want a return to legitimate democracy as soon as possible.”

Glenn Ratcliffe wrote:

“Don’t abandon Fiji. It is a Paradise regardless of Deborah Muir’s comments. She obviously has never experienced the warm nature of the ordinary Fijian people, because if she had she would encourage us to keep on travelling and lobby her Government to lobby against the interim Fijian ruling politicians with sanctions to bring change.”

Pete Mac had this to say:

“Interesting to see that Australia’s Foreign Minister Stephen Smith calls for Aussies not to boycott Fiji whilst the Australian government bemoans other dictatorships around the world.

“I for one would not step foot in Fiji until democracy is restored. I do feel for the Fijian people, but we should not be financially propping up this unelected government.”

And the last word goes to John Hollins

“How about we have a ban on journalists travelling to Fiji, that would send a signal yet it wouldn’t hurt anyone else!”