TRADITIONAL authentic meke groups are needed at the Nadi International Airport arrivals lounge.
Nadi resident Dikeva Sovau raised this concern during the Tourism Bill 2026 consultation this week, saying that tourists want to see the authentic Fijian spirit.
“Back in the days we see everything was authentic,” she said.
“As soon as the tourists come into the airport, they can hear the laughter and a happy atmosphere.
“Can we have the meke group to come back because we do not have that anymore.”
Ms Sovau said tourists travelling from overseas to our shores come from western backgrounds.
“These tourists live in America, England, France, and they are so modern.
“They come to Fiji and want to see the Pacific spirit.
“These tourists want to see what Fiji is, let them see a meke group and cultural group performance.
“Just bring back the authentic spirit that we had long time ago.”
In response, Fiji Airports general manager Air Traffic Management & Operations Amit Singh said they have been maintaining the Ukulele serenaders entertainment group at the airport arrivals lounge.
“But for the meke group we can only do that outside of the arrivals space,” Mr Singh said.
“Fiji is at a juncture where we have other elements also affecting the tourism sector, the drug problem, and we also have security issues that we have to take into consideration.”
