Indian visitor arrivals up 30%

Visitor arrivals from India rose 30 per cent last season and numbers are expected to double next year, says Fiji's Attorney General and Tourism Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

He revealed this while welcoming the Indian delegation at the Fiji India Tourism Exchange programme in Nadi yesterday.

“More visitors are coming to Fiji from India than ever before and there is plenty of room for the number of arrivals to grow."

“We already have significant relations between our countries. But there is vast potential to expand the flow of people between us and strengthen that relationship even further,” Sayed-Khaiyum said.

"Fiji is intent on carving out a bigger presence in the Indian market with new marketing strategies based on better research of what potential visitors are seeking."

Sayed-Khaiyum said the recent success behind Bollywood productions in the country had marketed Fiji not only in India but also on the international arena.

 “This is testimony not only to our pristine beauty, but also the Government's 47 per cent tax rebate for film production houses, which is attracting an increasing number of producers to these shores."

"This rebate is the highest offered by any country in the world and Fiji expects more Bollywood films to be shot in Fiji as they are keen to capitalise on their presence in order to enhance Fiji’s marketing efforts and promotions," he added.

Global Destination of India Director Palvan Kapadia said they have been marketing Fiji to India for the last 3 years through their partnership with Tourism Fiji

Thirty-six booths displayed Fiji's tourist packages to thirty-five tourist agents from India during the tourist exchange event.

By Indrani Krishna