Fiji Encouraging

Australian Hoteliers

The Fiji Government Repi esent ative in Sydney, Mr. W. B. Rogers, has had discussions with the Federal president of the Australian Hotels Association, Mr. Barry Mclnerney, about encouraging more Australian investment in the Fiji hotel industry.

MR. ROGERS wrote to Mr.

Mclnerney setting out details of encouragement the Fiji Govern ment gave to potential investors.

Fie advised that the existing hotels were frequently unable to provide sufficient accommodation, and that travel agents had to refuse bookings because they could not guarantee accommodation.

Mr. Rogers set out six points which he considered might be attractive from the point of view of the Aus tralian hotelier or hotel chain; • The rapidly expanding rate of tourism in Fiji. It is increasing at the rate of between 30 and 40 per cent, a year; . • An agreeable climate with a fairly even temperature range, which made a holiday in Fiji enjoyable at any time of the year; • Low labour costs; • Possible taxation advantages; • Legislation already in existence to assist and encourage the establish

ment of new hotels. (These con cessions are a cash grant, equivalent to 7 per cent, of the total cost of the project, including such amenities as a swimming pool or golf course.

A special depreciation allowance can also be be given. Previously there was provision for a cash grant equivalent to 10 per cent., of the value of materials used in the build ing. Alternatively, there is pro vision for an investment allowance which provides for an amount equal to 55 per cent, of the total capital expenditure to be free of tax); • The free movement of funds from Fiji to Australia.

Mr. Mclnerney, through his asso ciation’s journal, the AHA Review, has advised members of the contents of Mr. Roger’s letter.

CLOSURE of an important bridge in the Northwest district of Fiji in February for essential maintenance work may seriously inconvenience Fiji’s bustling tourist industry.

The bridge is at Vuda, about seven miles from Lautoka, and it will be closed each day from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. from February 15, for about ifhree weeks. There is no other bridge to allow traffic to move from the international airport at Nadi to the Lautoka area, and because of the shortage of hotel accommodation in the Nadi area, many air travellers stay at Lautoka. Lautoka’s two hotels lately have been fully booked with visitors.

FIRST CALL: The 13,500 ton "Aurelia", of the Cogedar Line, made her first call at Papeete in January, remaining 24 hours before continuing to Sydney via Auckland.

"Aurelia", which shares the Southampton-Australia run with "Flavia", will make two or three other calls at Papeete in 1965. The vessels come out via Panama and return to Europe via Suez.