Emotional scenes as one of Australia’s closest neighbours welcomes its first tourists in TWO years
- Fiji welcomed Aussie tourists on Wednesday morning, first time in 20 months
- Tourists must be fully vaccinated and provide negative Covid test before arrival
- Fiji has opened up borders to string of countries around despite Omicron threat
Fiji has welcomed back holiday-starved tourists for the first time in 20 months after the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in the South Pacific country.
The first flight full of Aussies landed just before 11.30am on Wednesday with arrivals treated to a traditional performance at Fiji’s Nadi International Airport as well as a water salute.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama also made a special address to those arriving before travellers were taken to one of 200 Covid-approved resorts and hotels.
Tourists must be fully vaccinated and were required to show proof of a negative PCR test 72 hours before arrival.
Despite the threat of the new Omicron variant of the virus, Aussies will not need to isolate upon arrival but will have to spend three nights at a hotel and return a negative rapid test within 48 hours.
There was much excitement at Fiji’s Nadi International Airport as tourists were welcomed back for the first time in 20 months
Aussies arriving into the tropical destination on Wednesday were greeted with a traditional performance
Tourists must be fully vaccinated and are required to show proof of a negative PCR test 72 hours before arrival
After the three nights, tourists are free to roam around the islands or change accommodation.
The opening of the borders wasn’t just exciting for those flying into Fiji, with locals also celebrating and dancing on the streets for the restart of the tourism industry which fuels 40 per cent of the country’s economy.
Fiji has enforced restrictions on travellers from southern parts of Africa due to the spread of Omicron but have welcomed Aussies with open arms.
Isei Tudreu, acting CEO of Fiji Airports, said staff were ‘absolutely excited’ to see the influx of tourists arriving at the airport on Wednesday morning.
‘This is a very special moment for all of us in the aviation and tourism industry with the resumption of air travel,’ he said.
‘The spectacular welcome this morning with our warmth and hospitality echoing across the entire airport terminal has truly been a heart-warming experience for our first Fiji Airways flight.’
Fijian workers welcomed back tourists with open arms on Wednesday. The tourism industry fuels 40 per cent of the country’s economy
Arrivals are seen being greeted with traditional performances by Fijian locals
Fiji’s vaccination coverage has soared to 90 per cent
Two flights left Sydney and one flew out from Brisbane with many counting down the minutes until they could be reunited with family, friends or simply enjoy a tropical getaway.
Fiji’s vaccination coverage has soared to 90 per cent with a number of other countries including Canada, Japan, Great Britain, the USA and New Zealand also allowed to visit quarantine-free.
Those from red-listed nations such as parts of southern Africa will face greater restrictions due to the spread of Omicron.
Australians returning to New South Wales and Victoria will be required to self-isolate for three days upon arrival, after state governments announced all international arrivals would have to follow restrictions.
Fijian workers smile for the camera as they welcome back tourists this week
Despite the threat of the new Omicron variant of the virus, Aussies will not need to isolate upon arrival but will have to spend three nights at a hotel and return a negative rapid test within 48 hours
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk