Pictured: Thousands of Fijians have been displaced following Cyclone Winston
Event organisers are
being reassured that Fiji remains a safe choice for
corporate groups following the devastating Tropical Cyclone Winston.
The Fijian Tourism
Action Group (TAG) says it will rely on continued tourism to pull it through in
its recovery, and is working to prevent any cancellations for incentive and
conference bookings, as well as leisure visitors.
Damend Gounder, TAG
chairman and MD of Tour Managers Fiji, said: “Most of the properties that cater
for the MICE market have not been affected and are operating as normal and
there is no reason for those who have already planned to hold their meetings, conferences
or events in Fiji to change their plans. The best way for these corporations to
help Fiji now would be to continue with their planned activities.
“With electricity
restored to the resorts that cater for MICE markets, internet connectivity
unaffected and the weather now much better than it has been for the past few
months - it is business as usual for the tourism industry."
The category-5
cyclone, said to be the worst storm recorded in the southern hemisphere, left
42 people dead and tens of thousands of others displaced on the island after it struck last
week.
Gounder added: “All
our leading conference and incentive resorts are open and have had no or
minimal damage. As I pen this comment all are open for business and ready for
your groups. Fiji has always been a fantastic value for money destination and I
am sure individual operators will do all within their means to add more
incentives to entice groups looking at Fiji for conferences.”