Tourism Industry Helps with Fiji's National Vaccination Effort

A strong and positive contingent of tourism frontliners were this week vaccinated, thanks to the combined effort of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services working arm-in-arm with the industry, through the Tourism Recovery Team. 

A number of transport companies also provided vehicles to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to help transport people to and from vaccination hubs in the Western Division, to get their first jab of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. 

A total of 17 locations and resorts, including the Warwick and Intercontinental are being transformed into vaccination hubs to ensure easy access for as many eligible people as possible.  The efforts will continue over the coming week, with vaccinations also happening across Island resorts.  

Tourism Fiji‘s head office in Challenge Plaza, Namaka was transformed into a vaccination hub which helped facilitate a total of 112 vaccinations on Thursday 8 April. This included eligible staff at Tourism Fiji and other industry partners who gathered to get their jab.

This week, to assist the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in promoting the vaccination roll out programme, Tourism Fiji created a unique COVID-19 Facebook frame.  Those who have been vaccinated in Fiji can proudly and patriotically announce that they have been vaccinated by using the frame. It reads “I got my COVID-19 vaccine” and incorporates the Fiji flag.

Tourism Fiji Acting Chief Executive Officer, Robert Thompson said, “Our Tourism Industry in Fiji, despite being badly impacted by COVID-19, has once again demonstrated the power of unity and working together.  Tourism Fiji and the Tourism Recovery Team will continue to support the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in any capacity we can to ensure our people are safe and ready to welcome our guests back to Fiji when the time is right.”

Frontliners who attended the Nadi International Airport vaccination hub truly experienced the Bula Spirit as they were vaccinated.  Staff from Turtle Island Resort, in their colourful floral yellow outfits, danced and sang songs throughout the day to entertain people.

Managing Director, Turtle Island Fiji, Richard Evanson Jnr said, “After discussion as a team, where we addressed any questions or concerns that our staff may have had, the team were all happy to jump on a boat this morning to come to Nadi to get their vaccinations.  They also thought they would share the Bula Spirit and show solidarity by entertaining everyone who is here.”

The Minister and Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport are also scheduled to be vaccinated in the coming days, following key industry stakeholder and tourism frontliners.

As vaccinations continue across several locations next week, Tourism Fiji will ensure the relevant information is sent to the industry to ensure more frontliners are vaccinated.  Permit holders are asked to standby for further information on how they can register to be vaccinated.