Authorities in Fiji have stepped in to secure its tourism industry’s reputation following recent international travel advisories calling for caution amidst rising criminal activities.<\/p>\n
Last month, the\u00a0New Zealand<\/a>,\u00a0United States<\/a>, and\u00a0Canadian<\/a>\u00a0governments issued alerts calling on tourists to remain alert in public places.<\/p>\n These governments warned of assaults, robberies and sexual assaults in Suva’s downtown nightspots.<\/p>\n However, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka, told RNZ Pacific: “Fiji is safe.”<\/p>\n “It was specific to certain areas in Suva. Otherwise, the whole country is safe,” Gavoka said.<\/p>\n “Our prime minister had gone public to say Fiji is one of the safest countries in the world.<\/p>\n “We respect what they (embassies) have to do what they have to do, but they highlighted the fact that we should not worry because Fiji is firmly in level one. The lowest advisory for any country.”<\/p>\n What seems like an alarming warning, when placed into context for New Zealanders, simply translates to “some risks”.<\/p>\n The New Zealand government’s official travelling advice website, SafeTravel, advises New Zealanders to “exercise increased caution<\/a>” when in Fiji.<\/p>\n “Theft and assault have been reported by locals and tourists alike, with most occurring at night and in urban areas,” it states.<\/p>\n “We advise New Zealanders to avoid poorly lit areas at night, particularly in Suva. Female travellers can be subject to sexual harassment and there have been incidents of sexual assault against tourists. Female travellers should take extra care, and avoid walking alone, particularly at night.”<\/p>\n SafeTravel’s level two advisory cautions for slightly more vigilance than you would require when in New Zealand.<\/p>\n