THE tourism sector says while it acknowledges the support given by the Government in the past few years, more financial investment was needed to ensure the continued growth of the industry.
According to Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association president Dixon Seeto, a bigger budget for tourism, support for local investors and a reduction in the cost of doing business made up the crux of its submission for consideration by the Finance Ministry in the 2015 National Budget.
“We acknowledge that through Government’s $23.5million support over the past few years, the industry has grown considerably,” he said.
“Tourism now contributes 38 per cent of GDP and one in every three workers in the country is associated to tourism in some shape or form.
“However, in light of recent developments which are geared towards taking tourism from the more than $1b industry that it currently is to $2b by 2020, we are asking for a budget of $30m.”
Mr Seeto said recent rebranding by the national carrier and Tourism Fiji meant more was needed to be done to maintain momentum on the global market.
“We cannot afford to stagnate and we must continue growth and in order to do this, we need more resources.”
Mr Seeto also said increased taxes and charges were hurting tourism operators in the country.
“We have to watch the cost of doing business in Fiji and we can’t keep adding fees, taxes and charges because it is having an impact on the ability of operators to do business in the country.”
Giving support to local investment, said Mr Seeto, could attract overseas interest in the country.
“If Government can give some concessions to local investors, this could attract foreign investment.”
Last year, PM Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama announced a continuation of the $23.5m allocation to tourism.
Government also committed $8.6m to the first ever PGA golf tournament at Natadola and implemented an income tax exemption for backpacker operators with an annual turnover of less than $1m.
