SUVA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The average hotel occupancy rate in Fiji was approximately 55 percent, according to a recent survey of close to 40 hotels in the island nation.
According to Fijivillage news website, Fiji's Minister for Tourism Faiyaz Koya said on Tuesday that these were Fijian people, staying an average of two nights in the hotels.
While the borders remain closed, they have focused their marketing on domestic tourism, through the "Love our Locals", he said, adding that Fiji visitor arrivals are expected to decline by 75 percent this year, whilst earnings as per July 2020 forecast is expected to reduce by 70 percent.
Koya also said through Tourism Fiji, they have significantly realigned their marketing strategies for the coming financial year.
He said the budget allocation for markets are being re-prioritised and re-diverted adding for example, a portion of the budget for markets such as North Americas, China and India are being redirected to Australia and New Zealand.
Koya said that Australia and New Zealand will play a key role in Fiji's tourism recovery and given that Fiji makes only a small percentage of their outbound markets, there is immense opportunity for growth.
The COVID-19 has serious impact on Fiji's tourism. With travel restrictions imposed to stop the spread of the deadly virus, the industry, which has already laid off about 40,000 people, is relying on Love Our Locals.
Koya said earlier that Love Our Locals conveys a spirit of community and solidarity. Tourism employs thousands of people across Fiji both directly and indirectly.
"We encourage everyone to show their support and Love Our Locals by booking a tour, grabbing coffee with friends or exploring other parts of this beautiful country. Every dollar spent at a hotel or restaurant goes a long way. It keeps businesses open, people employed and families fed," he said.
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