Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka has reassured tourists that Fiji is a safe destination.
This comes after the US Embassy in Suva issued a security alert on July 12, outlining the crime in recreation and tourist areas of Suva for its citizens holidaying or planning to spend their holidays in Fiji. This also caused some anxiety among the public.
“While such alerts are to be taken seriously, as the minister responsible for tourism and civil aviation, I assure you it is no cause for alarm,” Mr Gavoka said.
“Like the US, all governments have a duty of care to their citizens, wherever in the world they may be staying or visiting.
“In the case of the US, the US Department of State issues travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism, and civil unrest.”
In a statement, Mr Gavoka said travel advisory levels ranged from Level One, which meant to exercise normal precautions, to Level Four, which meant do not travel there.
“These are generally updated biannually and are largely intended for US residents.
“Worth nothing, Fiji is at Level One, which is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. This essentially means we are considered a safe destination as highlighted by the Prime Minister’s statement on July 18, where he highlighted that we are safe and assured Fijians and tourists that their safety was paramount.
“We give the highest priority to the safety and security of our citizens and visitors alike and will continue to monitor and implement measures that enforce this.”
He urged everyone to continue working together and not be alarmed as and when such advisories were issued as precautionary measures.
“The US market to Fiji is the third largest, and among the highest yielding and we will continue to ensure we meet the expectations of all visitors and residents.”
