The importance of security in the tourism sector is often underestimated. However, the perception of safety is a key factor in branding Fiji as a preferred destination, allowing visitors to explore its beaches, oceans, forests, and entertainment options freely.
Security is ensured through visible police patrols in urban areas and the discreet presence of security staff in resorts, hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. Thousands of security personnel play a crucial role in maintaining safety through foot and vehicle patrols, assisting guests while remaining vigilant against any potential issues.
Tourism operators must adhere to the Security Industry Act of 2010 to mitigate security risks, ensuring that their practices meet legal standards regarding work conditions and wages. Compliance with these regulations is essential, whether security services are managed internally or outsourced. This includes confirming that outsourced providers possess a valid Security Master Licence and have clear contracts that define their legal responsibilities.
The Master Licence serves as a legal authorization for individuals or companies involved in security activities. It is obligatory for hotels, resorts, and tour companies utilizing security consultants or installing surveillance systems.
Failing to adhere to Master Licence requirements can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines of up to $10,000 for organizations and up to $5,000 or imprisonment for individuals. Security staff in tourism often manage resort access with friendliness, greeting guests with “BULA!” during high seasons, although they may also need to verify if unexpected visitors are guests or have scheduled appointments.
The surge in tourism over recent years has strained hotel and resort services, with high staff turnover resulting from labor mobility abroad and the necessity of training new employees. This has stressed food and beverage services, especially during larger conferences where additional guests are accommodated, leading to limitations on walk-in customers.
While larger urban hotels can accommodate spontaneous visitors due to sufficient staffing, resorts in rural areas may prioritize their registered guests, limiting access to walk-ins. Such locations face additional security challenges, necessitating stricter management at entry points.
The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) has suggested using informational flyers to explain entry restrictions, but confrontations can arise when the reasoning is not clearly communicated. Security personnel may therefore adopt a firmer stance, permitting entry only to expected guests and needing identification from delivery and hired staff.
Additionally, resorts must be cautious of security breaches from unauthorized individuals entering the property, which can lead to theft of personal belongings left unattended by guests. This highlights the necessity for well-manned security operations at entry and exit points to alleviate demands on food and beverage services and ensure safety around pool and beach areas.
Ensuring safety has become increasingly critical, particularly regarding the protection of children, the awareness of drug-related issues, and monitoring illegal marine activities at island resorts. Moreover, measures have been reinforced to prevent the unauthorized photography of children without parental consent.
The reliance on well-trained security staff to mitigate risks while complying with the Security Act is paramount. Some days may run smoothly with minimal issues, while other days could see security lapses, necessitating prompt resolution of complaints.
The expectation to protect visitors is a shared responsibility throughout the industry, with awareness of how quickly negative coverage can arise in international media concerning perceived risks. The focus on maintaining safety is crucial for the success of the tourism sector, which greatly influences the country’s economy.