Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has labeled recent international media reports regarding a suspected alcohol poisoning incident at the Warwick Fiji Resort as “highly exaggerated.” In a media briefing, he stressed the importance of addressing these false claims to protect Fiji’s reputation as a premier travel destination.
The situation unfolded last weekend when seven guests from a resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast were taken to Sigatoka Hospital with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and neurological distress, before being referred to Aspen Lautoka Hospital. These guests had all consumed Pina Colada cocktails at the resort’s Suva Wing Bar; however, guests who had the same drink at other bars on the premises did not report any illness.
In light of this, Prime Minister Rabuka and the government are seeking clarification to combat any misinformation. He assured the public, “In the meantime, we would like to tell everybody that it’s safe to come to Fiji,” while also questioning the motives of those spreading negative press about Fiji, suggesting they may be competitors for tourist services.
Rabuka described the incident as isolated, asserting that it does not pose a broader threat to Fiji’s tourism sector. Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka disclosed that toxicology reports showed no presence of illicit substances or methanol in the liquor samples linked to the incident.
This response from Fiji’s leaders emphasizes their commitment to maintaining the safety and wellbeing of tourists, while working diligently to maintain the country’s strong reputation as a travel destination.
In summary, Fiji’s government is actively addressing concerns arising from an isolated incident to reassure tourists and protect the nation’s tourism industry. This proactive approach is essential in sustaining confidence among potential visitors while highlighting the importance of integrity in reporting.
Overall, despite the challenges presented by the incident, the commitment from Fiji’s leadership reflects a hopeful outlook for the tourism sector and the safety of its visitors.
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