Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
11 March, 2026, 10:31 am
Central - 29°C Rain
11 March, 2026, 10:31 am Central - 29°C Rain

We need to work together – Fantasha Lockington
Calls made to reduce import and excise duties and taxes to make hotel packages more attractive

We need to work together – Fantasha Lockington

Calls made to reduce import and excise duties and taxes to make hotel packages more attractive

By Vijay Narayan
17/07/2020
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association CEO Fantasha Lockington. [image: File]

Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association CEO, Fantasha Lockington is hoping that some relief is provided by the government by reducing import and excise duties and taxes to assist the tourism sector.

Tourism is the worst affected sector with the borders closed and there are estimates that more than 115,000 jobs have been affected.

Lockington says the reduction of duties and taxes will help them to reduce overhead costs, and when the costs are reduced, they can better package the products.

She says this will make Fiji more attractive when the borders open because we will all be competing on the world stage, and it will also assist in local tourism.

Lockington says we have to work together to get Fiji on a speedy path to economic recovery and they know tourism can do this.

She says we all have to look at how can we keep jobs, how can we encourage investment and how can we keep small and micro businesses in operation.

The CEO says the operators in the tourism and the hotel sector are still trying to look after their workers on reduced hours or leave without pay however this cannot be sustainable for a long period of time.

  
FEATURE NEWS
Judge to hear the issue today regarding the application to release COI transcripts
The hearing on whether the Office of the Attorney General will release the full transcripts of the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of Barba...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Katarina Baleisuva wins top honours at National Women in Agriculture Awards
56-year-old farmer Katarina Senabu Baleisuva has won two major awards at the National Women in Agriculture Awards Night 2026, including Women Overall ...
15 minutes ago

Informal settlements need infrastructure, not just leases - Opposition MP Virendra Lal
Issuing long-term development leases alone will not solve Fiji’s housing challenges if people living in informal settlements continue to lack basic ...
2 hours ago

FCCC warns against panic buying and fuel hoarding
The FCCC is warning individuals and businesses against panic buying and hoarding fuel as supply due to the war in the Middle East remains ...
3 hours ago

Biker in hospital following accident with bus in Kinoya
A man riding a motorbike has been rushed to the CWM Hospital following an accident involving a bus at the Velau Drive junction in Kinoya on Kings ...
12 hours ago

More affordable homes to be constructed by PRB and Housing Authority - Nalumisa
More homes that are affordable for low and middle-income households are expected to be built in the country as Minister for Local Government and ...
13 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
5 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
12 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
12 days ago

TOP