Fiji’s military ruler and finance minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, said despite being faced with insurmountable challenges over the past decade, the tourism industry has shown resilience in the terms of its contribution to overall economic growth.
Grateful for the additional funding, Tourism Fiji Patrick Wong acknowledged the government for its continuous commitment to the Tourism Industry.
Wong said the additional funding would greatly boost their effort in trying to market Fiji into Europe, New Zealand and Australia.
With a few carriers coming into Fiji like Jetstar, V Australia and the excitement of Air Pacific going to Hong Kong, Wong said, it’s an added boost to the industry.
New policies and plans were also announced by Bainimarama and one such plan is the tourist VAT refund scheme which would greatly boost the tourism industry and welcomed by Tourism Fiji.
The scheme will allow foreign passport holding departing tourists to claim a refund of the 12.5 percent VAT paid on purchases of goods in excess of $500, Wong said this would greatly boost the industry as far as shopping is concerned.
The scheme will initially be available for tourists departing Nadi Airport and those departing via cruise vessels from Suva.
The tourist VAT refund scheme will encourage local producers to target their goods and skills to the tourism sector like tailoring of suits for foreigners and according to Wong will go a long way with their marketing strategies already in place.
In commending the super yacht charter permit decree which will be implemented by Feb. 1 2010, Wong said this will boost the industry in complimenting the holiday destination.
To further position Fiji as a tourist shopping destination, import duty on a number of goods will be reduced to zero per cent and items shall include perfumes, cosmetics, after-shave preparations, cameras and camcorders, sunglasses, to name a few.
Fiji’s total capital expenditure for the 2010 budget is $325 million.
