There is a big disconnectivity between Fiji Airways and hotel operators - AG

There is a big disconnectivity between Fiji Airways and hotel operators.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Aviation and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum at the Fiji Chamber of Commerce Business Forum, when the CEO and Managing Director for Fiji Airways Andre Viljoen was questioned if he has communicated with government in relation to issues with the Hotel Industry and if he is happy with government’s incentive for the Hotel Industry.

The question was asked after Viljoen’s presentation where he had highlighted that they need at least 250 hotel rooms every year.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the reality is that many hotels do not partner well with Fiji Airways and are very unilateral in their approach.

Sayed‑Khaiyum says that a lot of the hotel operators are too independent or selfish.

He believes that government has enough incentives for new operators that are coming into the market.

Viljoen says they had communicated not only with the Minister responsible but with the Hotel Industry and are currently working with them in sharing information.

He adds they recently had a tourism talanoa where the issue was discussed.