Fiji Airways has announced its support for the inaugural Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospitals Pan Pacific Hash 2027, a prominent sports tourism event that aims to draw thousands of participants to Fiji. During the recent launch of the event’s website at the PSH Hospital, Akuila Batiweti, the airline’s chief customer officer, highlighted Fiji Airways’ role in bringing 75% of tourists to the country.
Batiweti expressed optimism about the potential economic impact, stating that by improving upon the previous Interhash event held in 2018, which brought in around 2,000 runners and generated over $5 million for the local economy, the organizers could potentially double this figure to $10 million with appropriate marketing and teamwork.
Dr. Ram Raju, chairman of the Pan Pacific Hash and former president of the Fiji College of General Practitioners, emphasized that having world-class healthcare is essential for nurturing sports tourism in Fiji. He indicated that many prior international sporting events had been hindered due to insufficient medical services, but the establishment of PSH Hospitals has significantly changed that landscape, increasing Fiji’s attractiveness as a host for future international events.
The PSH Hospitals, located near the Nadi International Airport, boasts a 130-bed capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, further reinforcing Fiji’s readiness for accommodating sports and medical tourism. CEO Parvish Kumar reassured potential participants that their healthcare needs would be well taken care of, allowing them to focus on enjoying their time in Fiji.
Additionally, the upcoming PSH Foundation will aim to assist patients facing financial challenges in accessing necessary medical treatments, with proceeds from the event’s Red Dress Charity Run contributing to this initiative.
The Pan Pacific Hash 2027, scheduled for September 16 to 18, is expected to bring together fitness enthusiasts from around the globe, fostering camaraderie and showcasing Fiji’s beauty. The event is poised not only to enhance tourism but also to promote health and well-being within the community, indicating a positive and hopeful future for Fiji as a key player in the sports tourism sector.
This ambitious event underscores the collective efforts of local organizations to foster international engagement and community spirit while celebrating the vibrant culture of hashing.
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