The managing director of Yatule Resort and Spa and Tour Managers Fiji Group, Damend Gounder, highlighted that the tourism sector’s most significant challenge is the proliferation of illicit drugs. Speaking at the reopening of the renovated resort in Natadola, Sigatoka, he expressed concern over the ongoing reports of drugs being found among local individuals, warning that this issue could infiltrate the tourism industry.
Gounder noted that if drug availability and usage make their way into the tourism sector, it could deter travelers from choosing Fiji for their honeymoons, family vacations, or school retreats. He urged stakeholders in the tourism industry to engage with communities and schools to promote positive values and education as a countermeasure to these challenges.
He emphasized that their efforts go beyond commercial interests, with a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, particularly in education and environmental preservation.
Brent Hill, the chief executive officer of Tourism Fiji, mentioned that while the issue largely falls under police jurisdiction, the tourism industry remains proactive in tackling drug-related activities. He acknowledged the presence of various social issues, reiterating the collective aim to keep drugs away from the tourism sector.
Hill expressed appreciation for the Government’s efforts to combat drug-related activities, underlining the importance of maintaining a safe environment for tourists to ensure a positive experience in Fiji.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, confirmed reports involving tourists in drug-related incidents, stressing the importance of information sharing among hoteliers and their security teams to address these concerns effectively. He pointed out that establishing better communication is critical for the industry’s response to drug-related issues.