The Fijian Government is taking immediate steps to enhance security in the popular Martintar strip of Nadi, following an incident involving three crew members from Virgin Airways. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, announced that the matter will be urgently brought up in Cabinet for further discussion on security enhancements.
Mr. Gavoka reassured the public of the government’s dedication to maintaining transparency in its response, emphasizing that isolated incidents do not represent Fiji’s overall safety. To uphold the country’s positive reputation, Tourism Fiji will keep key international markets updated on the situation.
Most of the affected crew have since returned home to their families, with a few departing shortly after. Mr. Gavoka acknowledged that while such incidents can occur anywhere, Fiji maintains a commitment to keeping both residents and visitors safe. He reminded tourists to always exercise caution in nightlife areas.
Highlighting Fiji’s reputation as a safe travel destination, Mr. Gavoka pointed out the thriving tourism industry, stating that the country is approaching one million visitors, with strong travel flows from locations such as Dallas. He also reflected on the strong connections airline crews develop with destinations, noting that they often become very familiar with local areas due to frequent visits.
Despite this unfortunate incident, Mr. Gavoka remains optimistic about Fiji’s image as a safe and welcoming destination. The government’s proactive response aims to reinforce tourist confidence and ensure that such incidents do not tarnish the industry’s success.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing vigilance in tourist areas, and the government’s commitment to addressing concerns swiftly reflects its dedication to maintaining Fiji’s status as a desirable travel destination.
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