The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) is asking Government to maintain the current level of taxes and duties for at least the next three years,
In its national budget submission, CEO Fantasha Lockington said the tourism industry must first survive the current crisis.
“Our focus is on recovery and revitalisation,” she said.
“When tourism is on its feet again, the Fijian economy rebounds.
“But this means that Fiji needs to have all its available products and services ready to welcome back visitors, including the different accommodation options, activities, transport systems, tours and supply lines which are now either closed or struggling to stay open”.
FHTA said pre-COVID, the tourism sector was responsible for bringing in more than 40 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and was a major tax contributor. Almost 16 months after borders closed, SME businesses that form the core of the tourism industry are closed and cash-strapped, with many hanging on by a thread, said FHTA.
