FRIENDS and families of tourists and visitors in the country are safe and comfortable.

This was assured by the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya in a statement yesterday.

He said all properties had taken the necessary precautions and actions to ensure their guests were safe and were taken good care of.

“Furthermore, there are no reports of any significant structural damage to the majority of hotels in Viti Levu, except for some properties in the Rakiraki area,” said Mr Koya.

“We understand that friends and families are very concerned, however, we request everyone to remain calm. Cyclone Winston has caused extensive damage to the communications infrastructure, hence, mobile and Internet communications in some parts of Fiji maybe affected.

“However, communication is active in Suva, Nadi, Denarau and along the Coral Coast,” he said.

He further stated that as soon as flights resume, Fiji Airways will prioritise guests who want to go back home and flights were expected to be normalised by yesterday.

He said tourism remained a key and important industry for Fiji and this setback would not curb the enthusiasm and the warm hospitality Fiji was renowned for.

Tourism Fiji is providing updates via Twitter.