‘sword-seller’ image

Suva acts to counter the ‘sword-seller’ image

An association to promote Fiji’s capital, Suva, as one of the finest attractions of the South Pacific has been formed in a bid to halt the decline in tourist visitors.

The association, which in volves local hoteliers, will work to counter adverse publicity generated by unsavory ele ments who have caused con cern to tourists in recent months, particularly sword-sel lers and touts.

Don Ellis, association presi dent and general manager of Suva’s Courtesy Inn, said the city’s benefits for tourists were many, not the least being that

about 50 per cent of all hotel rooms available in Fiji were located in Suva, ranging from international standard accommodation to facilities for the budget traveller.

Mr Ellis said the city offered a large number of good quality restaurants, it was the centre of Government and national administration and housed a wide variety of artefacts from Fiji and other South Pacific nations in its museum.

One of the association’s first tasks, Mr Ellis said, would be beautification of main city areas.