Tourism industry icon Tony Whitton says the exorbitant fuel cost is a big risk for the sector and any assistance by the Government in the 2022-2023 National Budget to cushion some of the impacts would be helpful.
The Ahura Resorts and Rosie Holidays managing director shared this insight as the country looked forward to the budget announcement on Friday. “Outside of this, I think is to keep what we have now – and not touch anything really,” Mr Whitton said.
“What we have now is working and if anything, I would like to ensure no changes for the next two years – to keep direct taxes where they are, to keep duties and departure taxes where they are.
“And we will do our bit as the private sector to work with our national airline and the various government agencies to keep these tourism numbers flowing that will in turn boost our foreign currency reserves.”
Mr Whitton claimed the tourism sector would generate $1.4 billion in foreign currency inflows this year and that would mean “more jobs, more government revenue and more investment ensuring economic growth for all”.
He said he agreed with the Government — that to get visitors back to Fiji, “our destination has to offer competitive air and resort packages to entice visitors”.
“So the reduction in taxes announced in the last budget was critical. We saw this in the reduction of alcohol duty, departure taxes and direct taxes and the $60 million investment as part of the travel package stipend with 140 Tourism business and resorts participating with our national airline to generate 150,000 visitors.”
Mr Whitton manages Likuliku Lagoon Resort and Malolo Island Resort in the Mamanuca Group.
