More American Tourists

For Fiji

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, April 2.

A TOUR around the island of Viti Levu shows that all resorts, such as Raki Raki, Cuvu, Sigatoka, Korolevu and Nadarivatu, were fully booked out with holiday-makers during Easter.

With the growing population and the need for holiday resorts there now is regret that such places as Nadarivatu

Rest-House were closed down. Accom modation is certainly limited at these places and bookings have to be made in advance.

Deuba Hotel, only 35 miles from Suva, was popular at one time; but, owing to a constant change of management, has slipped back considerably. Rumour has it that the whole property has been sold to a newcomer to the Islands, and that the new owner intends to clean up the swamps surrounding the hotel, and to rebuild nearer the beach. This would be a boon to Suva residents.

Tourists in Fiji express amazement at the lack of holiday resorts in Fiji, We have beautiful beaches around this island —beaches among the best in the world — but to develop their value, we require some enterprising people with modern ideas, and a public that will give them full support.

Tourists are arriving regularly in the Islands these days. Even though March is not considered the best month of the year, small parties have had four to five days “stopover” on Viti Levu. A party of 12, with a tour manager from the United States, spent three days on the Island.

Native mekes and the yagona ceremony were provided at Korolevu Rest-house for the party, before they left for Suva.

They went on excursions accompanied by guides; and on their way to Lautoka a special Fijian-style luncheon was served at Raki Raki Hotel.

This is the first large party on a world tour that has included Fiji in its itin erary. The travel agents in the United States say they will now always include Fiji, but next time for five days.