2008 two time winner of the Fiji Australia Business Council Exporter to Australia Award at the FTIB Awards, the Shangri-la's Fijian Resort and Spa said despite the global financial crisis the December holiday period is still looking good.

General Manager David Hopcroft said the tourism industry is going through a quiet period at the moment in terms of tourist numbers however the festive season bookings are positive.

Hopcroft adds that while marketing is very important for Fiji, substantial funding is needed in the next budget for the tourism industry because this helps in times of crisis.