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.”