FIJI’S tourism sector is poised for a significant boost with the introduction of turnaround cruises, a groundbreaking partnership with Fiji Airways, says Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka.
Mr Gavoka told Parliament yesterday that this development promises to inject considerable revenue into the Fijian economy and create new opportunities for local tourism businesses.
“Each cruise ship brings an average of $305,000 or $US147,000 in spending per port of call, and one cruise ship passenger brings in $90 or $US44 for spending each,” he said.
“This is a flying cruise, which will see the first turnaround ships coming to Fiji, and this is a partnership with Fiji Airways. This means multiple ships will be coming to Fiji where the cruise will start and culminate.”
Mr Gavoka said Fiji is looking at an increase of 2000 to 2500 people at a time, flying in to commence a cruise and likewise disembark at the end of their journey.
“For existing cruise companies, our focus is on the opportunity for more tourism businesses to get accredited and available for shore excursions.”
Mr Gavoka said this is a significant new development that will have broad occupancy this month.
“The percentage of passengers who are getting off ships to do pre-approved shore excursions, tours and visits is growing,” he said.
