The 2022 General Election and onset of the cyclone season has not deterred tourists and returning locals from booking holidays in Fiji, says Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay general manager Silvano Dressino.
“I see no decline in occupancy levels, tonight (Saturday December 3) we are running at 96 per cent occupancy and this will continue into the Christmas period and even our forward-looking bookings are double-digit higher when compared to 2019,” he said.
Mr Dressino said Fiji’s rapid tourism recovery could be attributed to the state’s efforts, combined with support from Tourism Fiji and the national carrier.
“So far, I think we all can be happy in Fiji about our strong recovery and I want to thank the government, tourism bodies, Fiji Airways, and the Bula Bubble campaign has driven a lot of demand into the country ahead of our competitors.”
The CEO also said Fiji Airways putting on flights to and from Vancouver, Canada, could further boost visitor numbers, in light of Marriott’s Bonvoy rewards program.
“Thanks to our Marriott Bonvoy presence in North America and with over 170 million globally, the North America market was always strong for us but it also helps to attract even more customers from West Coast and even East Coast Canada and California area to come to Fiji which is looking even more positive with the introduction of Vancouver flights.”
Mr Dressino said regardless of occupancy levels, during the cyclone season the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay always took a proactive approach towards being prepared.
“The safety and wellbeing of guests is always paramount for us.
“We always have strong procedures in place, we have meetings, cyclone-preparedness, we restock our cyclone stock, so I am confident.
“I pray that we have a mild cyclone season like we had last year.”
