Earlier this week, Channel 7’s Sunrise reported an Australian traveller in Fiji was experiencing a ‘nightmare’ holiday after testing positive for COVID-19 and having to quarantine in her hotel room. However, after an initial investigation by tourism stakeholders in Fiji on the allegations of her mistreatment, Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) said she has made false claims.
An Australian traveller in Fiji recently shared a story with breakfast show Sunrise about her experiences in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 on arrival.
Jackie Hoy said her family had been separated in different hotel rooms in a resort on the Coral Coast, and they were not given food for three days. She also explained that she had to sign a form that waived her rights concerning COVID-19.
She also claimed that support was scarce and that hotel staff were not following correct safety procedures, with twenty other families experiencing the same treatment.
In response, a journalist from the FBC has published an article that says that after an initial investigation by the tourism stakeholders on allegations of mistreatment, the traveller has made false claims.
According to the Sunrise interview, Ms Hoy was unable to speak with the Australian Embassy because it was closed.
However, according to the Australian Embassy’s official social media pages, Australians in Fiji seeking consular assistance can call a 24-hour Consular Emergency Center.
Tourism Fiji Chief Executive Brent Hill says the traveller is not telling the whole story, adding that stakeholders in the industry take these allegations seriously and are investigating further.
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association Chief Executive Fantasha Lockington said 30,000 visitors had visited Fiji over the last five weeks since the border reopened, and the vast majority had a wonderful experience.
TravelManagers’ Belinda Hackett travelled to Fiji in December and wrote about her trip to help travel advisors and travellers to understand the procedures and safeguards that have been put in place by both airlines and the government.
According to Hackett, the Fiji Government has taken great care to ensure that resorts, transport and tourism operators attained their accreditation with the Fiji Care Commitment, which applies strict health and safety guidelines to ensure the safety of both guests and staff.
“Protecting visitors against COVID-19 is taken very seriously in Fiji,” she confirmed.
Karryon founder Matt Leedham also travelled to Fiji on the first flight from Sydney in December and reported a positive experience concerning health and safety protocols throughout his trip.
Have you travelled to Fiji recently? Let us know about your experience – email editor@karryon.com.au.
More details to follow.