SUVA, Fiji (14 Aug 2000) -- While apartheid policies continue to damage Fiji's tourism industry and cause job losses, tourism officials are struggling to put a positive spin on all of the political and social turmoil. The latest attempt to prop up Fiji's decimated tourism industry is a feel-good campaign called the "Spirit of Fiji." Brought to you by the same military-backed government that enthusiastically trashed Fiji's multiracial constitution and threw out democratically elected officials, the we-want-your-money campaign is designed to convince tourists that apartheid Fiji is worth visiting. To prove it, the Fiji Visitors Bureau continues to offer up more of the tourist testimonials they have been running throughout the turmoil of recent months (We had a wonderful time at the resort and are so glad we could ignore all the lawlessness and violence). | | Tensions remain high throughout Fiji Despite such testimonials, the vast majority have stayed away. In June Fiji's tourist arrivals declined by 70%, and in July, dropped by 85%. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
