Marking up of prices of goods and services at exclusive and 5-star resorts is a reality based on their capital outlay, however Tourism Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said some hotels on the mainland may be charging prices that would be seen as "out of whack".
Sayed-Khaiyum said while it is understandable for properties to charge more if they are exclusive islands with exclusive facilities, a lot more needs to be done as pricing of goods remains an issue for many hotel operators.
Speaking from Korea, Sayed-Khaiyum said the main aim for all those involved in the tourism industry should always be that tourists want to come back to Fiji or spread the word to others when they go back home.
The overpricing of products that are sold at many hotels and resorts in the country has been an issue that has emerged a number of times.
On the NZ Herald, Aviation commentator Peter Clark has slammed Fiji's hefty pricing for tourists, saying a raised cost for families during school holidays was unacceptable.
He then gave examples of $6 cost for a can of Coke, or $7 for a bottle of water.
Sayed-Khaiyum said hotel operators should think of their main markets and price accordingly.
Fiji Hotels Association President, Dixon Seeto said the complaints on overpricing are definitely emanating from the five star hotels and it may be coming from people who are coming as part of the budget package deals.
Seeto also said that people need to understand that these prices are in Fiji dollars, which is much weaker than the Australian, NZ and US dollar.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Feature
Some hotel pricing out of whack - AG
