Tourists visiting the Central Division, particularly Pacific Harbour, have expressed their disappointment regarding the state of the beachfront following the New Year celebrations. Many travelers were taken aback by the extensive litter left after festivities. The beachfront, which draws visitors looking to celebrate the New Year, became a repository for discarded bottles, plastics, food packaging, and other waste, tarnishing Fiji’s pristine image.
Margie Spainhower, an American scuba diving enthusiast who frequents the area annually, highlighted her discontent, noting that this year showcased one of the worst conditions she has encountered. With years of diving experience in the waters off Pacific Harbour, she emphasized the environmental hazards posed by the refuse, which included nets, ropes, plastics, and even diapers discovered underwater.
Spainhower pointed out that the littering could harm tourism if left unaddressed. She advocates for comprehensive education and intervention measures to raise awareness among residents, particularly children, and to involve the government in tackling the issue. Despite local efforts to clean up, the sheer volume of waste left behind after holidays has raised doubts about the effectiveness of current strategies.
This ongoing challenge of beach pollution, especially after festive periods, underlines the urgent need for a coordinated effort to preserve Fiji’s natural beauty and maintain its appeal to tourists. Engaging the community in preventive measures and promoting responsible waste disposal practices could lead to improvements in the situation.
Summary: Tourists are disillusioned with the polluted state of Pacific Harbour’s beachfront after New Year celebrations, prompting calls for increased education and intervention to combat littering, which could negatively impact tourism.
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