The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association is calling for urgent Government intervention to address the growing fuel and shipping crisis affecting Taveuni, warning that the issue is now impacting not only businesses but entire communities that rely on regular maritime services.
While a number of hotels and resorts on the island are currently operating at or near full occupancy, many are experiencing increasing difficulty securing fuel needed to maintain essential operations including electricity generation, water supply, transport, guest services and emergency backup systems.
Association Chief Executive Officer, Fantasha Lockington says the tourism industry is deeply concerned that an island welcoming visitors from around the world is simultaneously struggling to access one of its most basic operational necessities.
She says Taveuni's tourism operators have shown remarkable resilience and continue to deliver the level of service visitors expect despite the challenges however, fuel is not a luxury, it is fundamental to keeping businesses operating, staff employed and visitors safe.
Lockington says their concern extends well beyond tourism.
She says if established businesses with supply chains and purchasing power are struggling to secure fuel, the situation facing households, farmers, transport providers and essential services across the island is likely to be even more difficult.
The Association acknowledges the important role of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji in ensuring vessels operate safely and within the law, and safety standards must never be compromised however, the it says regulation alone cannot be the end of the conversation.
Lockington says the objective cannot simply be to stop vessels from operating.
She says the objective must be maintaining safe, reliable maritime services that continue delivering fuel, food, freight and other essential supplies to the islands that depend on them.
Lockington stresses that this is not about assigning blame.
She says it is about recognising that Fiji cannot afford prolonged disruption to essential maritime services.
She adds tourism can adapt to many challenges, but islands cannot operate indefinitely without reliable access to fuel and supplies.
The Association stands ready to work alongside Government and industry partners in finding practical solutions that protect both public safety and the economic wellbeing of Fiji's maritime communities.
