While there has been a decrease in import figures for agricultural produce for the first quarter of 2009, the reliance of importing products for the tourism industry will remain the same if there is no consistency in local supply.
Tourism Fiji Chairman Patrick Wong said most hotel operators would not have to rely so much on importing most of their food supplies if these same products were available locally.
He added most do buy locally where possible, but lack of supply has left them no choice but to import to be able to meet tourist expectations.
However, Permanent Secretary Dr Richard Beyer said imports have gone down by 16% in the first quarter of 2009, and exports have gone up by 9.8%.
He said this was a result of public awareness on the need to be more self sufficient in agricultural produce, with awareness campaigns, such as the "Teitei competition" in hotels and resorts, as well as in schools, and the save the seeds campaign.
Consistency in local supply a concern
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