Locals have been spending an average of two to three nights at local resorts and hotels as part of the ‘love our locals’ campaign, Tourism Minister Faiyaz Koya told Parliament last week.
He said as many as 200 staff members at the Outrigger Resort had resumed work as a result of the campaign.
“These employees are working more than three days a week with most of them on full-time duties,” Mr Koya said.
“Not only that, they have reported that weekends in July were actually sold out and restaurant sales exceeded the room nights revenue.
“This is the first time in their history.”
Mr Koya said the ‘love our locals’ campaign was expected to “cushion the impact as much as possible”.
“This will not only ensure businesses remain open, but Fijians can return to work and farmers slowly start supplying to hotels and local artists, who predominately relied on tourism, actually have a source of income.
“I know many people, expected this campaign not to be successful but it is.”
