The importance of security in the tourism sector is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in establishing Fiji as a desirable destination. The perceived safety of the country enhances the experience of exploring its beaches, oceans, forests, and entertainment options.
Security measures in Fiji include visible police patrols in urban areas and discreet security checks at hotels, resorts, ports, restaurants, and shopping centers. Thousands of security personnel utilize both foot and vehicle patrols to ensure safety while assisting with the movement of guests and keeping a lookout for potential threats.
To address security risks, tourism operators are regularly reminded to comply with the Security Industry Act of 2010. This ensures that their security protocols meet legal requirements regarding employment practices and operational standards. Compliance with these regulations is essential, whether security services are managed internally or outsourced. This includes ensuring that any external security providers possess a valid Security Master Licence and have clear contracts outlining their responsibilities.
The Master Licence serves as a legal authorization for individuals or companies engaged in security activities. All entities, including hotels with in-house security, resorts hiring consultants, or tour companies using surveillance systems, must possess this license to operate legally.
Holding a Master Licence is not merely a legal requirement; it also demonstrates a commitment to high security standards. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines—up to $10,000 for businesses and $5,000 or even imprisonment for individuals.
Security staff are typically found managing access to resorts, often greeting guests with a friendly “BULA!” During peak tourist seasons, these personnel may need to verify whether visitors are expected guests or attending scheduled events, which has led to challenges due to high turnover rates and strained resources.
Resorts and hotels are experiencing increasing pressure from high occupancies during tourist seasons, which can overwhelm food and beverage services, especially when accommodating large groups for conferences. Consequently, unannounced visitors hoping to stop for a meal or coffee may find themselves turned away if not pre-approved through bookings.
While larger urban hotels may be more accommodating of unexpected visitors, resorts in more remote areas often prioritize the needs of their in-house guests, leading to stricter security measures. Security personnel may refuse entry to those without prior arrangements, which can sometimes result in confrontations, particularly when explanations are insufficient.
By limiting entry to expected guests, resorts aim to alleviate some pressure from already stretched food and beverage services while maintaining safety and security for all. Increased vigilance is necessary as incidents of security breaches, such as unauthorized individuals entering from beaches and tampering with guests’ belongings, can occur.
As a response to rising security concerns, resorts are assigning more staff to entry and exit points, ensuring the safety of guests and their belongings. The heightened need for security also extends to addressing issues like protecting children, countering drug-related activities, and preventing illegal actions in marine areas.
Training well-equipped security personnel is essential for minimizing risks and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. While some days may go smoothly with few complaints, other days can reveal significant gaps in security, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance.
Overall, ensuring the safety of visitors is an industry-wide expectation vital to maintaining the country’s tourism branding, which relies heavily on perceived safety. The tourism sector is committed to working persistently to uphold these standards, recognizing their importance to the economy’s success.