Honourable Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama took a tour of the new Cruise Passenger Lounge at Suva Port and commended the facilities that will be available for passengers of cruise liners calling Port of Suva.
The tourism industry is the largest contributor to the Fijian economy, contributing more than 30% to the GDP. Cruise tourism has been increasing over the last 5 years, at an average rate of 15%. In 2018, a total of 187,890 cruise visitors came to Fiji and the earnings from the segment was a record of $11.3 million.
The Chairman of Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL), Shaheen Ali, stated that on average 30 cruise liners visit Port of Suva per year. Creating a good first impression of Fiji for the visitors when they disembark at the Port is critical. The new passenger lounge has definitely lifted the standard of the Port and provides a good first experience for the visitors.
The Cruise Passenger Lounge is part of FPCL’s continuous commitment to meeting the needs of Cruise Shipping sector and improving its services towards achieving international standards. The lounge will also provide information such as attractions, maps and other relevant information that could assist our visitors.
As the Port Management company, FPCL facilitates the arrival of the cruise liners to our shores in both Suva and Lautoka Ports.
The Lounge is the first for FPCL with plans to have a similar one built in Lautoka.