The special convention scheduled to be hosted by Jehovah’s Witnesses in August is expected to gross $7million.
Speaking at the convention launch at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel yesterday, Jehovah’s Witnesses director Nathan Mouritz said the event at the Vodafone Arena would draw 823 international delegates, which would bring in $5.5m in direct revenue.
“This is an economic windfall not only to the five hotels that will be fully occupied with our delegates, but also to restaurants and shops,” Mr Mouritz said.
“It will also be a boom for our region’s tourism activities.”
Mr Mouritz said there would be a considerable overflow to the West and other parts of Fiji as many delegates would move to those areas after their stay in the Central Division.
“Interestingly, this is not the first time we will have such a special convention. Our last special convention was in 1978 in Ba and that also had 800 international delegates.
“Now, almost 50 years later, we are looking forward to doing it again.”
Mr Mouritz said the theme of the convention is “Declare the Good News” and the program would be in both Fijian and English.
“This year’s ‘Declare the Good News’ convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses will bolster confidence in God. It will help us to cope with life now and prepare us for life in the future.”
