Businesses in Suva were given the opportunity to open today to carter for the tourists on the cruise liner Sun Princess but opted not to do so.
Those are the words of a member of the Cruise Committee for Destination Suva Peter Mazey after visitors from the Sun Princess expressed frustration at the lack of activities arranged for them and business being closed on this Fiji Day Public Holiday.
Mazey said all retailers in Suva were given the opportunity to open and those were opted to do so were allowed to operate until 4pm.
He said tours around Suva were also arranged for the visitors.
About 2000 Australian tourists are currently in Suva and Fijivillage spoke to number of them who said they are disappointed with the arrangements by the Sun Princess as they believe the vessel should have come at another time.
Apart from the Handicraft dealers, only a few major shopping outlets are open for businesses in Suva today. However, the tourists say it will not stop them from enjoying their day.
The Sun Princess is on a 35 day cruise from Sydney and will leave for Port Denarau this afternoon.
Meanwhile, many businesses in the capital city used this Fiji Day holiday to clean up their shops for Diwali and opted not to operate.
A number of shop owners Fijivillage spoke to said this is the only day available to clean up before the Diwali rush starts from tomorrow.
And with just five days away from Diwali, many people are using the Fiji Day holiday to clean their houses and to prepare sweets.
We spoke to some people who are really looking forward for Diwali this Saturday.
Businesses opt to stay closed
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