DOMESTIC tourism – a collective term to define locals taking holidays and trips in their own country – is on the rise in Fiji.
“What I have observed is that Fijians are exploring more of our own country, our own backyard, which is really good to see because in the past we used to see a lot of Fijians that would travel out of Fiji to have holidays,” said Captain Cook Cruises brand, marketing and public relations executive Andhy Blake.
“Now because we have so many different experiences and new properties that are being introduced into our tourism industry, most of the Fijians are exploring and it’s good too because then, the money stays here.”
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Blake said Fiji had a lot to offer to the tourism industry in terms of tourism products and “it’s great to see locals also enjoying this”.
“There is like five-star hotels for five-star experiences, we have cruise experiences, there’s off the beaten path experiences like up in the highlands, and then the small islands that offer just idyllic island escape.
“So there’s something for everyone in Fiji. From families to honeymoon couples to singles, there’s something for everyone.
Fiji is beautiful.” Mr Blake said the numbers on domestic tourism also depended on the affordability and the type of product offered that appealed to locals.
“I think it depends on the type of product and the brand because certain tourism brands will need to maintain their reputation.
So, they will have their rates and some won’t.
“Some will be able to be affordable and their target market will just mainly be locals. If you’re going for the more elaborate brands like the Sofitel or the Hilton, then it needs to maintain that standard.
“But other than that, I think some of these hotels do reduce their rates at a certain period, when it’s the quieter months, then there’s packages.”
Mr Blake has advised locals to constantly check on social media websites “and just have a look at all the different rates, compare the prices and then you’ll find a good deal”.
