Surfing to stimulate economy

13/09/2010

The resurrection of the surfing industry in Fiji will have multiple effects on the national economy.

Minister for Tourism and Attorney-General Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum made the comments after a meeting with executives of Fiji Surfing Association and their Australian counterparts on Sunday.
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Tourists and locals enjoy the surf breaks at Tavarua on Sunday

“Previously there were two resorts that had exclusivity on the cloud break in Tavarua,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

“Since the liberalization, many should benefit as a result and also generate more activities in the tourism industry.

“It will also enable locals to participate in the industry in so many ways, for example, transportation and accommodation.”

He said the products on offer in Fiji were good and the surfing industry would attract many tourists.

A lot of interest had been shown towards Fiji hosting internationally sanctioned surfing events.

While everyone realizes the tangible effects hosting such events will bring to Fiji, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the Surfing Decree had provided the impetus by opening up cloud breaks and removing exclusivity.

“The Decree has gained accolades from the surfing world and it is a good sign,” the Minister for Tourism said.

“We have received positive feedbacks on the decree from international surfers. It has provided them more choices of cloud breaks to choose from.

“They will now visit new surf breaks and people there will benefit from these activities.

“Other stipulations and requirements under the decree which concerns the environment and operational matters should be observed at all times.”
Scott O’Connor of Namotu Island Resort said: “We should be getting more tourists and surf lovers.”

“Fiji has waters and world class breaks and the decree will entice more surfers to Fiji which will benefit all stakeholders and the national economy,” O’Connor said.