Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka has confirmed that forensic tests conducted in New Zealand show no harmful substances in the beverages consumed by tourists at the Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa on the Coral Coast. This announcement follows a troubling incident last December where seven tourists were hospitalized after experiencing nausea and vomiting after drinking pina coladas at the resort.
Minister Gavoka expressed relief over the findings, which mirror earlier tests conducted in Fiji that also indicated the drinks were free from harmful elements. He remarked, “So, we are now clear and that’s such a huge relief… the kind of profile that we had was really negatively affecting tourism.” The confirmation that methanol or illegal substances were absent is not only encouraging for the tourists who have fully recovered but also vital for the tourism sector in Fiji, which is striving to regain its reputation following the pandemic.
The group of tourists affected included four Australians, one American, and two expatriates, all women, who were quickly treated at Aspen Medical Hospital in Lautoka and have since been discharged. This swift response from health officials underscores the importance of robust health and safety protocols within the tourism industry.
Minister Gavoka highlighted that these reassuring results are critical in rebuilding traveler confidence and reinforcing Fiji as a safe travel destination. He underscored the priority placed on the well-being of visitors and indicated that these findings will help restore trust among both local residents and international tourists.
This incident reinforces the need for high safety standards in the hospitality sector. As the tourism industry slowly recovers, positive developments like these are essential for reassuring travelers eager to experience the beauty of Fiji. The quick response and recovery of the affected guests portray a hopeful future for tourism in the region, emphasizing a commitment to safety and quality.
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