Service fee petition presented

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs is currently looking into a petition presented in Parliament by Opposition MP Viliame Gavoka that a service fee should be introduced to benefit tourism industry workers.

During the Standing Committee meeting this morning, Gavoka said the service fee should be levied on guests and clients for prescribed services like hotels and all types of operators providing accommodation, rental car operators, all water sports, underwater activities and skydiving.

He said he has collected 690 signatures from the tourism industry workers in Suva, the Coral Coast, Nadi, Denarau and the Mamanucas that have supported the petition.

Gavoka said the petition is calling for a bi-partisan support from all members of Parliament of Fiji for the introduction of such a fee.

Chairman of the Standing Committee Balmindar Singh said they will have to consult with all the stakeholders.