Bill will tarnish tourism: Hoteliers
Sunday October 08, 2006

The Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association says the proposed Qoliqoli Bill will spoil the country's reputation as a major tourist destination.

Under the bill, all qoliqoli or sea boundaries are to be returned to their traditional owners.

In its submission to the Joint Select Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Services, association spokesperson Patrick Wong said the country will loose major investors if the bill is passed.

"We are considering that government re-look at the negative impact it would have on the industry and the economy as a whole," Wong said.

"The industry, which is responsible for 49 per cent of Fiji's foreign exchange, will see a lot of investors pull out their resources."

He said government was trying to send a negative message to tourism developers that Fiji was a place where the Government does not value tourism investors.

"This is the first of its kind anywhere in the world that such proprietary rights transfer has been considered and will attach significant publicity which is negative from an investor's perspective," he said.

Wong said the bill would certainly promote disputes among Fijians and the tourism operators.