Spread the love

The number of tourism operators signing up to Tourism Fiji’s Care Fiji Commitment Program (CFC) and getting staff fully vaccinated is steadily rising, as the industry gears up to re-open to the world in late 2021. The CFC is a destination wide assurance of traveller and staff safety; a COVID-safe framework which sets out enhanced on-site standards of safety and health protocols across the tourism industry.

Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill says the national tourism office is encouraged by the drive from the tourism industry to help support the vaccination program and edge closer to opening up Fiji to the world.

“In the last two weeks alone, 28 properties have had 100% of their eligible team members fully vaccinated, and now have access to the CFC vaccine toolkit and resources: This has brought the total number of CFC-approved tourism operators to 172, which is of course very encouraging for travellers when we are able to welcome them back. It speaks to the commitment of the industry to be ready for visitors, with health and safety as key priorities. We thank our tourism industry partners for these efforts.”

Care Fiji Commitment-approved properties in Fiji gain access to Tourism Fiji’s CFC toolkit and resources for use in their marketing, promotions and display efforts and over 16% of these properties are now already fully vaccinated.

Hill said Tourism Fiji would continue to support the industry in its preparations as they look forward for the safe re-opening of borders. He added that Fiji’s intensive nationwide vaccination effort has added further confidence for the industry to gear up for re-opening with over 90% of the target population receiving their first vaccination and 36% now fully vaccinated. (Stats correct as of 17 August, 2021)

“The latest 28 properties and operators who have been added to the CFC-approved list have 100% of their staff fully vaccinated, which is quite outstanding. They are now able to proudly display Tourism Fiji’s 100% Vaccinated Stamp to further strengthen their appeal to prospective visitors.”

The CFC Programme also has 260 nominated Wellness Ambassadors representing 260 tourism businesses, who will ensure adherence to CFC requirements on guidelines for their properties. More than 77% of these Ambassadors have completed the online required training programme, with the rest expected to finish by November.

Launched in October 2020, the CFC Programme upholds globally recognised control and mitigation measures that are aligned to World Health Organization recommendations and assures that Fiji will be a safe travel destination once borders reopen. The programme has also been recognised by the World Travel & Tourism Council and aligns with the globally recognised Safe Travels programme.