Fiji implemented a quarantine-free travel policy on December 1 to welcome vaccinated travellers from all over the world.
When the pandemic forced Fiji to close its borders in March 2020, the island nation’s economy suffered immediately. The lockdowns resulted in layoffs, bankruptcies, and permanent business closures in a country where tourism accounts for 38% of GDP and employs more than 13% of the total population.
“It was a trying time for everyone,” said Rustic Pathways programme manager Leba Digitaki, a resident. “As a Fijian living in Fiji during the pandemic, the land and sea were the two things I was thankful for. For many years before the arrival and introduction of Western goods by foreigners, our forefathers lived sustainably off the land and the sea.” By the time the second wave of virus cases hit the island, many residents had planted gardens, and villages and communities began to use barter systems, with platforms and groups on social media assisting people in exchanging crops and seafood for goods from shops such as flour, sugar, rice, and clothing.
Thankfully, the arrival of vaccines was a “game-changer,” according to Digitaki, as the country made vaccination mandatory to go to work, travel, or enter shops and restaurants. Cases have significantly decreased. “Over 91% of our eligible adult population, including tourism frontliners, is fully vaccinated against Covid-19,” Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill said. “It’s an incredible achievement for any destination.”
Why should I go now?
The enormous success of vaccination has enabled the country to reopen its borders after 20 long months. As of December 1, Fiji implemented a quarantine-free travel policy for vaccinated visitors from its Travel Partner Countries, which have high vaccination rates and low infection rates.
Though the road ahead will be difficult, Digitaki and other residents are optimistic about routinely returning to the islands, even if it looks different than before. “It’s funny to say, but there’s a sense of normalcy now with masks, vaccination cards as a sort of ID, and social distancing.”
Travel with no trace
Despite contributing less than 1% of global carbon emissions, Fiji’s 333 islands are among the most vulnerable to rising global temperatures. The country has consistently emphasised the importance of addressing global climate issues while also focusing on domestic sustainability initiatives, particularly in the tourism industry.
Duavata, a sustainability collective, brings together tourism businesses with similar missions to create visitor offerings that preserve the environment while also integrating cultural heritage and communities, while also mentoring the next generation of sustainability leaders.
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Visitors can also make educated choices about where to stay on the islands. Digitaki recommends resorts that employ a marine biologist or an environmental officer, or that have a clearly defined sustainability and environmental programme.
Namosi Eco Retreat is 100% Fijian owned and operated, providing visitors with the opportunity to eat local cuisine and sleep in traditional Fijian bures next to the Luva River – all without phones or electronics, as the retreat encourages a complete digital detox. Oceanside, the Lomaiviti group of islands’ Leleuvia Island Resort works to preserve its marine environment through coral planting and active monitoring of turtle nesting, whales, and dolphins. The abundant wildlife on the island can be seen while snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, or riding in a traditional outrigger canoe. The pandemic underscored the importance of embracing local ingredients and sustainable eating habits in this region. Kanu is one of the restaurants that does it best, according to Digitaki. “The farm-to-table spot gives some of our local dishes a gourmet twist, and explains to the public the importance of eating like our forefathers,” she said. Bulaccino Farm showcases native produce, sheep, ducks, and chickens, as well as bees that produce medicinal honey for the farm’s companion cafe, which is only 15 minutes away.
Know before you go
Visitors over the age of 12 must provide a negative PCR test three days before departure, regardless of vaccination status. Upon arrival, visitors must download and activate the careFiji app, which allows for nationwide contact tracing. For entry, most businesses require a check-in using the app’s QR codes and proof of vaccination, and masks are still required in public places such as buses, restaurants, and shops.
Travelers must also book a three-night stay at a Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) certified property, which is a World Health Organization-approved programme that ensures high health and safety standards. The CFC keeps an up-to-date list of all the businesses that must have fully vaccinated employees.
Visitors must take a mandatory rapid test at a CFC-certified resort within 48 hours of arrival – You don’t have to stay at the resort for the entire time, as long as you’re only interacting with other CFC businesses and checking in with the app.