The focus of attention yesterday was obviously on the sentencing of former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho.
As political analysts consider the implications Bainimarama’s imprisonment may have on the party he leads, there were mixed emotions yesterday outside the courthouse.
Supporters of the former PM sang a hymn outside in the wake of the sentencing, as others stood there, reflecting on the turn of events, probably considering the impact it would have on our political landscape, or whether it would have any at all!
Bainimarama remains as the leader of the FijiFirst party according to its former general secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum yesterday during a press conference in Suva.
He pointed out an appeal filed in March this year was still before the court.
As both men start their jail terms, we wait to see the next part of the legal process, and how events unfold on our political front.
Meanwhile, investment in Fiji’s tourism industry is shifting gears off the back of sustained growth.
That’s the word from Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill.
The recent opening of phase one of the all-new Crowne Plaza Resort as well as Waya Island Resort and the Trilogy Villas by Vomo, he said, marked exciting additions to Fiji’s hospitality offering.
Reflecting on achievements last year, and the promising start to the first quarter this year, Mr Hill said Tourism Fiji was optimistic for 2024.
However, he highlighted challenges that lie ahead, “with intense competition and inflationary pressures stressing the need to deliver exceptional value for every dollar spent”.
We have always said that tourism is like a beacon of hope for us.
So we also acknowledge challenges that competition brings in, whilst emphasizing the need to deliver exceptional value to attract tourists.
That is the key here.
Our ability to attract visitors to travel here, and return.
It means offering them incentives to choose Fiji ahead of other lucrative destinations.
In saying that, we also refer to the need for us to also emphasize accommodation for tourists as we target the one million mark this year.
It will mean considering rooms and beds across the different segments of visitors, from the backpacker to the high-end visitor. It will mean engaging to understand their expectations and ensuring we have processes in place to meet demands.
That goes hand in hand with our ability to fly them in first.
It is good to see investment, and encouraging to note our plans to boost the industry!
