2017 marked the best year ever for tourism in Fiji - Bainimarama

No development in Fiji will be unsustainable.

This was highlighted by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while officiating at the 2017 Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards at the Sheraton Fiji Resort in Nadi.

Bainimarama says government knows how to strike the delicate balance of sustainable growth.

He says while their political opponents try to grandstand by latching on to any issue that earns them a headline.

Bainimarama says 2017 marked the best year ever for tourism in Fiji with 842,884 visitors coming to our shores which showed an impressive 6.4% increase from 2016.

He says 2017 also saw the most‑ever visitors coming from both the United States and New Zealand and it is interesting to see that, in numbers, tourism arrivals now nearly equal the entire population of Fiji‑‑ which, by 2017's census count, stands at 884,887.

The Prime Minister says this increased demand is being met with the need to increase supply, which also means new jobs, sustained jobs, new investment opportunities and the need to be responsive to emerging trends in the market.

Bainimarama says achieving record numbers of foreign visitors and attracting multi‑million‑dollar resorts is an accomplishment, and with every new resort that announces plans to invest in Fiji, all Fijians feel a sense of pride.

He says sustainable development also means protecting our environment while being creative to ensure sustainable livelihoods for all Fijians.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Captain Matereti Tuisue, Jenny Seeto and Patrick Wong all of whom have made significant contributions to the tourism industry and the country as a whole.

In other awards, Emerging Tourism Leader went to Abhinesh Sharma of Sofitel, the Fiji Pride Champion was awarded to Josua Ratukuna os Sigatoka River Safari while the Tourism Industry Leader went to Sigatoka River Safari’s Jay Whyte.

Winners

Tour and Transport Operators: Tour Managers

Visitor Attraction and Activity: Flavours of Fiji Cooking School.

Specialized Tourism Services and Support to Industry: Essence of Fiji.

Tourism Sustainability: Nanuya island Resort

Culinary Services: Flavours of Fiji Cooking School

Destination Marketing: Rosie Holidays

Accommodation Budget: Vuda Marina

Accommodation Quality: Volivoli Beach Resort

Accommodation Deluxe: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Accommodation Luxury: Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa

Hall of Fame Award: Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Visionary Award: The late Tui Lawa, Ratu Sevanaia Vatunitu