The significance of security in the tourism sector is often overlooked. However, Fiji’s appeal as a preferred destination greatly relies on the perception of safety, allowing visitors to explore its beautiful beaches, oceans, forests, and entertainment options without fear.
Security is maintained by friendly police patrols and vigilant security personnel at resorts, hotels, ports, and shopping areas, ensuring a safe environment for guests. Thousands of security staff, dressed in various uniforms, conduct foot and vehicle patrols, facilitating smooth entry and exit while watching for any potential threats.
To reduce security risks, tourism operators are reminded to comply with the Security Industry Act (2010), which mandates effective security measures aligned with legal standards concerning work conditions and wages. Whether a company manages its security internally or hires outside services, adherence to these licensing regulations is crucial. This includes verification that outsourced security providers possess a valid Security Master Licence and establishing contracts that clarify each party’s legal responsibilities.
The Master Licence serves as legal authorization for entities to engage in security-related activities. It is essential for hotels employing their own security staff, resorts hiring consultants, or tour companies installing CCTV systems. Beyond being a legal requirement, the Master Licence signifies a commitment to maintaining high security standards. Failing to comply can lead to substantial legal penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 for organizations and up to $5,000 or even imprisonment for individuals.
In the tourism sector, security personnel oversee the entrance and exit of resorts, often greeting guests with a friendly “BULA!” During peak tourist seasons, these staff may check if visitors are expected to ensure smooth operations.
However, recent high tourist seasons have strained hotel and resort services, causing increased employee turnover due to enhanced labor mobility overseas. This demand places pressure on food and beverage services, especially when resorts host additional guests for conferences or forums, which can lead to discouraging walk-ins and turning away potential customers.
Larger urban hotels may accommodate unexpected visitors better, but those situated in remote locations must focus on managing in-house guest needs effectively. Increased vigilance is paramount in these isolated resorts, where security staff may deny entry to those without prior reservations. The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association suggests distributing informational flyers to clarify such decisions, but misunderstandings can lead to confrontations between security staff and visitors.
In dealing with unexpected guests, security personnel may have to adopt a firmer stance, allowing entry only to authorized individuals. Permitting unannounced visitors can further strain already high-demand food and beverage services, resulting in dissatisfaction and complaints from both guests and visitors alike.
Additionally, an increase in restaurants, service stations, and rest stops along highways offers travelers more choices, making it less critical for them to rely on isolated resorts. Moreover, incidents of security breaches from individuals trespassing from beaches or highways have highlighted the need for stricter security measures to protect personal belongings and ensure guest safety, particularly in high-occupancy environments.
This growing security demand includes heightened focus on child safety, awareness of illegal drug activities, and monitoring for suspicious marine activities, especially at island resorts. There is also a growing emphasis on respectful behavior, such as prohibiting the photographing of children without parental consent.
The tourism industry must not only ensure the safety of its guests but also comply with the Security Act diligently. There are days when operations run smoothly without incidents, while other days may see security lapses that call for immediate rectification.
Ensuring visitor safety is a collective industry standard, as any perceived risks can quickly escalate in international media, which is acutely aware of the vital role safety plays in destination branding. The local tourism sector continues to work diligently to maintain its reputation for safety, knowing its success is crucial for the economy.