The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Take 3 for the Sea, and Tourism Fiji organised a beach clean up at Wailoaloa Beach yesterday to encourage environmentally conscious travel and responsible tourism.
As part of its commitment to preserving natural beauty and marine ecosystems, NCL and Take 3 for the Sea worked with Tourism Fiji to organise a day of action to remove garbage and plastic waste off Wailoaloa Beach, which was part of the activities for guests on board NCL, including responsible tourism activities in their itinerary.
Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill said they wanted to continue including tourists in their sustainability initiatives.
“At Tourism Fiji, we know how important our pristine environment is, and we’re doing all we can to keep it that way,” Mr Hill said.
“We want to include tourists in our sustainability initiatives, introduce activities that are fun, and at the same time contribute towards protecting our environment.
“We’re very grateful to Norwegian and Take 3 for the Sea for this initiative as we aim to keep tourism sustainable”.
Managing director of NCL APAC Ben Angell said taking the beach clean up series offshore for the first time represented a significant milestone for the cruise line and its commitment to help preserve the destinations it visited.
“Fiji is one of my favourite holiday destinations to visit with my family, not only because of its white sandy beaches, lush mountains, stunning coral reefs and crystal blue water but the heartfelt welcome and culture of the people,” Mr Angell said.
“As one of the most pristine destinations NCL visits, it is critically important we contribute to preserving its natural assets.
“This is the first time NCL has taken its beach clean up series with Take 3 for the Sea overseas, with hopes of expanding the reach of this partnership in the years to come.
“Take 3 for the Sea, an organisation dedicated to reducing plastic pollution in oceans worldwide, provided expertise and guidance for the cleanup event.
“Our collaboration with NCL and Tourism Fiji is a fantastic example of corporate environmental leadership!
“Events such as this clean-up series are raising awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on the environment, and highlighting how we can all do our bit, big or small, to support our oceans to be free from plastic pollution.
“We are thrilled to be rolling this initiative out with our Pacific neighbours, starting with Fiji.”
Take 3 for the Sea CEO Jacquie Riddell said the clean up on Wailoaloa Beach presented an opportunity for travellers, locals and industry partners to contribute to Fiji’s sustainable tourism efforts.
“Unfortunately, plastic pollution is a global problem, and it requires global solutions,” she said.
“Take 3 for the Sea is proud to lead a movement of people taking human sized actions, doing what they can wherever they are to contribute to the solution.
“It is very exciting to have Fiji onboard to grow this initiative.”
A total of 65 participants turned out for the beach clean cup.
