A TOUR management company is expecting Fiji tourism to take a blow from the outbreak of COVID-19, with many of its partners to feel the financial strain in the coming weeks and months.
ATS Pacific general manager Leigh Howard made the statement and said they had been in discussion with their cruise partners on the impacts of the virus globally.
He said they were briefed last week on the bans the Australian and New Zealand governments were looking to implement.
“Princess Cruises were first to announce they would suspend all operations for 60 days while other brands are looking to suspend their operations for 30 days,” said Mr Howard.
“Like all businesses we have been reviewing our operation and assessing our risk management plan day by day.
“This is certainly uncharted territory for all of us in such a short space of time.”
Mr Howard believes with the recent travel advisories from Australian, New Zealand and Fijian Government they would see a heightened increase in booking cancellations in the weeks to come.
“Right now our priority is to provide immediate assistance for our clients who are currently in transit or due to arrive and work through their travel plans as best as possible.
“The second half of the year is definitely going to be a challenging period for us all and hopefully the industry can all rally together to improve our outlook.”
In terms of job security Mr Howard said it would not be an easy approach.
“This is never an easy answer for any business at such times like what we are presently going through and so for us, we are looking at ways to reduce our overall operation and expenditure as best as possible.
“We are encouraging staff to utilise their annual leave and to consider taking leave without pay. For the moment we are taking it one day at time and we are doing our best to keep our staff updated internally on the measures we are undertaking.”
He said they had moved to a four-day week with some parts of the business on a three-day week operation including a reduction in operating hours.
The executive management have also taken salary cuts with some taking leave without pay for a period of time according to Mr Howard.
“In the event of an actual outbreak, we would plan for working remotely and will be asking staff to self-isolate in their homes.
“This is certainly going to impact many our staff financially as I am aware of their own commitments etc.
“I am in the process of arranging financial institutions to come in and meet with our staff to discuss what options they have in light of the current circumstances. It’s important for me that all our staff are receiving proper financial advice and how they can work through their financial commitments with their financial institution,” he said.
