TOURISM stakeholders in Nadi and Denarau are exploring ways to improve how weather forecasts and warnings are used to make decisions affecting guests, staff and tourism activities.
Speaking to this newspaper, Dr Rochelle Campbell of the Hydrologic Research Center, NOAA and the US Department of State said the Fiji Tourism Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) workshop was aimed at helping tourism operators use forecast information to support timely decisions.
“Very much today, we are using them as the experts in the room to better understand what the challenges are and what they need to know,” she said.
Dr Campbell said the workshop would also assess whether the forecast information available would meet the needs of tourism operators.
The Hydrologic Research Center, in collaboration with the Fiji Meteorological Service, held a similar workshop in 2024.
The latest workshop aimed to better understand the sector’s specific information needs and help improve the delivery of relevant forecasts.
She said the program focused mainly on Suva and this was the second workshop held in Nadi.
Nadi and Denarau face hazards including heat stress, marine threats, severe weather, lightning, flash flooding and coastal inundation.
These can affect guest safety, staff welfare, transport, business continuity and tourism activities.
The two-day workshop brought together representatives from government, hotels, resorts, marine and dive operators and tourism organisations to strengthen Fiji’s weather-readiness capacity.
Stephen Meke (right) facilitates the Fiji Tourism Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) workshop at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
Dr Rochelle Campbell of the Hydrologic Research Center speaks at the Fiji Tourism Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) workshop at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
Sireli Ravoka (facing camera) speaks at the Fiji Tourism Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) Workshop in Nadi. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
Neomai Matai at the Fiji Tourism Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) Workshop at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
Tourism stakeholders attend the Fiji Tourism Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) workshop at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
Roneel Chand (second from left) with other participants at the Fiji Tourism Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) workshop at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
