Tackle tourist harassment now

Do not kill the goose that lays the golden egg.The Tourism Minister has called on the stakeholders in the tourism industry to urgently address the issue of tourists getting harassed by street-side vendors and handicraft dealers in Suva.Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said it is a concern that this has been happening and the authorities should act quickly to ensure that this is now a thing of the past.Sayed-Khaiyum said a number of tourist incentives have now been introduced but collaboration amongst the stakeholders is now needed to achieve the desired objectives.He said stakeholders in Suva need to take appropriate action and Sayed-Khaiyum gave an example in Savusavu where the council ensured that all the taxi rates and fares were displayed at a spot where the cruiseliners arrive and any driver overcharging the tourists would lose their taxi base permits.Meanwhile the Suva City Council is now in consultations with the Fiji Police Force to provide more security and assistance for tourists, especially those from the cruiseliners which are expected to call into port this year.After it was highlighted on Fijivillage how tourists onboard the cruiseliner the Pacific Dawn expressed frustration at being harassed by street vendors and hawkers earlier this week, SCC Special Administrator Marica Hallasey said it is an urgent matter which needs to be looked into.Hallasey said they intend to also appoint special security personnel to assist tourists and ensure they enjoy their visit to the capital. Fijivillage news faced difficulties in approaching the tourists from the Pacific Dawn as they quickly turned and started walking away thinking we are trying to sell them something. After informing them that we were not after their money, the tourists opened up and said they were frustrated at being tugged and pulled by street side vendors and people looking to make a quick buck.Fijivillage also witnessed how one handicraft dealer along the seawall convinced a tourist to pay $30 Australian for a souvenior bracelet which normally costs around $5 Fijian. Fijivillage also approached the vendor and questioned why they were selling the items at a different price to the visitors, only to be told to leave.Some of the tourists also told us that the harassment became unbearable and they could not wait to get back on the cruiseliner.