Chaudhry questions the need to have an International Golf Tournament in Fiji

Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has questioned the need to have an International Golf Tournament in Fiji as he says that it does not attract as much tourists as it claims to.

Chaudhry made these claims at the FLP’s Annual Convention which was held in Suva.

He says there is no need to fork out millions of dollars to host golf tournaments in the country as the tourism industry is showing a steady growth.

Chaudhry says there is too much emphasis on tourism.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Faiyaz Koya highlighted in Parliament earlier this year that the Fiji International attracts 500 international visitors that is directly involved with the tournament.

Koya says the Fiji International contributes more than $1.5 million to local suppliers with 55 local businesses engaged.

He says there are 100 sponsors and guests and 60 percent of the players fly into the country via Fiji Airways.

The Fiji International is Fiji's first internationally broadcast golf tournament to a worldwide audience across more than 30 countries in over 400 million homes, a first for a single sporting event in Fiji.