Senior Vice President and Executive Director-Pacific, Ms. Tammie Tam,
General Manager Mr. Marco Saxer,
CEO Sigatoka and Nadi Town Council, Mr. Craig Powell,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be part of this event today. I am very happy to see many tourism experts, professionals and distinguished hospitality industry representatives present here today.
COVID-19 has forced us to change our way of life – how we do things, how we work, how we greet each other, even how we deliver on our reputation for the ultimate holiday experience – all this has changed. We are, however getting used to the new normal.
I acknowledge this is a very difficult time and many businesses and Fijians associated with the tourism industry are suffering.
But even during this difficult time, we see hope through those who have still laboured on. Using this time — working with the Fijian Government — working with each other, to come up with creative ways to continue business.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This pandemic has taught us a lot. It has taught us how to be self-sufficient, it has taught us empathy. Most importantly, it has taught us resilience through solidarity. Which is why we are all here today to celebrate the re-opening of Warwick Fiji Resort.
Warwick’s participation in the “Love our Locals” campaign through this re-opening will re-employ close to 50 employees and this will certainly increase once boarders open.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
‘Going local’ is undoubtedly one of the most effective, and strongest strategies to deploy. Not just in the wake of the pandemic, but in the future. Whether it’s your employees, your management, or your customers, supporting locals is extremely important.
Earlier this year we launched the “Love our Locals” campaign to build consumer confidence and ignite economic activity in the tourism sector. So, I thank Warwick Fiji for using this platform as a stepping stone to re-open once again and introduce guests to new experiences, under the Campaign.
I am told, Naviti and Tokatoka Resort have been operating since July, under the Love Our Locals campaign, whilst Tambua Sands will remain closed until the international boarders open.
I express my appreciation to Warwick Fiji for reemploying staff for a second time. Whilst employment numbers have reduced, I’m told this close knit team has been in continual exchange with each other. Simply displaying, the bond of this Warwick Fiji family as unbreakable.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As earlier stated, Fiji is our nation state, and we need to rebuild our footing stronger. I assure you that your Government will continue to support the tourism industry.
It is therefore, our duty to collectively encourage our people to progress and ensure continuous delivery of safe and quality services remains of highest priority.
With these few words, it gives me great pleasure in officially declaring the Warwick Fiji re-open to the local market.
I wish you all a successful and rewarding time.
Vinaka Vakalevu.