SEASONED tourist operator Josaia Rayawa has called on Fijians to support the temporary five per cent tourism levy tax to aid Fiji Airways’ operations.
Mr Rayawa said he would support the efforts of Fiji Airways in the absence of other international airlines over the accommodation providers.
“I am referring to the importance of 5 per cent tourism levy support,” Mr Rayawa said.
“It is encouraging to see that the Fijian Government prioritises the national airline for several key reasons.
“No doubt, one requires the need for guaranteed seat capacity to enable the resorts to secure tourists travel and local travel, but even more than that is the role it plays as an economic lifeline.
“Often the role of the airline has been more interlinked with inbound travel to Fiji, hence the over emphasised role as an airline for tourism.
“Sure, tourism has an important contribution, but it is one of the many industries reliant on the airline.”
A member of the Tourism Fiji board, Mr Rayawa emphasised the importance of the national airline, which is not just transporting inbound tourists to Fiji.
“It is equally important to support the development of Fijian businesses for outbound entrepreneurial businesses to the international market.
“Maybe the tourism industry, especially with resorts and hotels celebrating cocktails on profit driven achievements, can understand that you all need the support of Fiji Airways too.
“Hence, the need to engage the sacrifice to support, instead of driving this dilemma on a different angle.”
The levy that will come into effect on September 1 received backlash from tourist operators and the Fiji Hoteliers and Tourism Association.
The association’s CEO, Fantash Lockington, had said an overwhelming majority of its members strongly opposed the tax in its current form and the lack of consultation prior to its announcement.
