Do not kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
The Tourism Minister has called on the stakeholders in the tourism industry to urgently address the issue of tourists getting harassed by street-side vendors and handicraft dealers in Suva.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said it is a concern that this has been happening and the authorities should act quickly to ensure that this is now a thing of the past.
Sayed-Khaiyum said a number of tourist incentives have now been introduced but collaboration amongst the stakeholders is now needed to achieve the desired objectives.
He said stakeholders in Suva need to take appropriate action and Sayed-Khaiyum gave an example in Savusavu where the council ensured that all the taxi rates and fares were displayed at a spot where the cruiseliners arrive and any driver overcharging the tourists would lose their taxi base permits.
Meanwhile the Suva City Council is now in consultations with the Fiji Police Force to provide more security and assistance for tourists, especially those from the cruiseliners which are expected to call into port this year.
After it was highlighted on Fijivillage how tourists onboard the cruiseliner the Pacific Dawn expressed frustration at being harassed by street vendors and hawkers earlier this week, SCC Special Administrator Marica Hallasey said it is an urgent matter which needs to be looked into.
Hallasey said they intend to also appoint special security personnel to assist tourists and ensure they enjoy their visit to the capital.
Fijivillage news faced difficulties in approaching the tourists from the Pacific Dawn as they quickly turned and started walking away thinking we are trying to sell them something.
After informing them that we were not after their money, the tourists opened up and said they were frustrated at being tugged and pulled by street side vendors and people looking to make a quick buck.
Fijivillage also witnessed how one handicraft dealer along the seawall convinced a tourist to pay $30 Australian for a souvenior bracelet which normally costs around $5 Fijian.
Fijivillage also approached the vendor and questioned why they were selling the items at a different price to the visitors, only to be told to leave.
Some of the tourists also told us that the harassment became unbearable and they could not wait to get back on the cruiseliner.
Tackle tourist harassment now
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p