Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka raised concerns regarding a recent tender by the Department of Information Technology and Computing Services for high-end gadgets, including laptops and mobile phones. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that these assets are provided only to those in need. Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry criticized these plans, stating they would burden taxpayers. In response, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad labeled Chaudhry’s claims as misleading, clarifying that the matter is parliamentary and does not involve ministers. This is featured as a significant story in The Fiji Times for Wednesday, October 9.
In related news, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, discussed the issue of overcrowding in informal settlements, highlighting how it pushes people onto the streets during an interview on The Fiji Times’ online platform, The Lens@177.
In other news, the tourism sector is showing promising signs of growth, with figures indicating a positive trend in visitor arrivals. August alone saw a record 94,787 tourists, contributing to a cumulative total of 640,274 for the year, up 6.9% from the previous year. Key markets like Australia, New Zealand, and the USA have shown increased arrivals, further boosting the industry.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad noted the significant surge in visitor numbers over the past eight months, surpassing initial forecasts and projecting an overall increase of about three percent by year-end. The tourism industry is expected to reach or exceed one million visitors in 2024, following the Growth Strategy outlined by Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka.
The influx of tourists has substantial economic implications, contributing approximately $3.2 billion to the economy last year. The tourism sector’s success hinges not just on numbers, but also on enhancing the visitor experience through competitive pricing, accessibility, and the welcoming spirit of the Fijian people. As the year progresses, the focus will be on ensuring the welfare of visitors to encourage repeat trips to the islands and capitalize on the broader benefits of a thriving tourism industry for community development and infrastructure improvement.