BY CHANDAR PRAKASH NADI DOWNTOWN HOTEL & PVV TOURS CHAIRMAN OF TOURISM COUNCIL OF NADI Tourism Council of Nadi “How can we revive Nadi Town a Safe Town”

About Tourism Council of Nadi Tourism Council of Nadi is the peak body will be representing tourism businesses, industries in Nadi under Nadi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The main focus is to promote and create awareness of Nadi Town to benefit small business from domestic and international tourism. The mission of the tourism council is "to promote and support the development of the visitor industry while preserving and enhancing the special character of Nadi and surrounding area."

Our Membership Tourism Council of Nadi directly will represents private and public sector members across tourism, including aviation, accommodation, venues, hospitality, tours, attractions and events. The Council is also the peak body for Nadi regional and industry tourism associations. Our united business, regional and industry membership endows Nadi Tourism Council with the collective voice of 250 businesses in Nadi.

Industry Representation As the voice of industry, Tourism Council of Nadi proudly represents members and promotes the value of tourism to the state economy, environment and the social fabric of local communities. Tourism Council of Nadi develops evidence-based industry policy on: business regulation; marketing and events; parks and environment; planning and infrastructure; aviation and transport; and workforce development. The Council advocates our policy agenda to government and maintains an active public profile and media presence to communicate critical industry issues.

How this is possible?- Outlined below Map of Nadi Town – It’s a must to have Nadi Map to drive tourist to right places to shop, dine and stay in Nadi Town. Website for Nadi - This is a very essential tool that needs to be implemented and managed to create awareness with right information provided. Tourism Events in Nadi - We need to bring events such as Fiji Tourism Expo, Diwali, Christmas, Meetings and Forums that relates to tourism. We have noticed that if any events hosted in Nadi Town becomes an issue to some of the stakeholders. You can look at Port Denarau the events taking places attracts tourist and getting popular. WHY NOT NADI TOWN? Famil Trips for Travel Media- We need to encourage travel media and travel agencies from overseas to experience our Nadi Town and write what we have to offer and also encourage them to give positive reviews. This is only possible via Tourism Fiji and our own main key partners such as Tour operators. Stop Touting- The above will avoid touting activity and will lead to increase flow of tourist. If any stakeholders found involved in such activity then the council will have full right to act with the concern authorities and revoke the license to operate business in Nadi Town. Security- The Council will be working and monitoring very closely with concern authorities to ensure the safety and securities will be provided to our domestic and international tourist coming to Nadi and particular our Nadi Town.

Upcoming projects –Nadi Magazine Nadi magazine which includes the following: Nadi Town detailed Map Detailed map from Nadi Airport to Nadi Town including Namaka, Martintar and Port Denarau Nadi Magazine to include Shopping, Dinning coupons for domestic and International travellers. Nadi Magazine to be distributed at Nadi Airport, Port Denarau all Hotels, Resorts, Travel centre and Retail Shops.

Tourism Council of Nadi website to be introduced after the launch Nadi website which includes the following: Listing all members Information about Nadi Listing of Hotels, Taxis and Airport Transfers Shopping and Dinning Discount Coupons Travel Tours and Packages Booking Button Hotel Booking button Nadi Feedback Form Feedback form will be directed to respective authorities namely Police, Consumer Council of Fiji, Nadi Town Council, Firca, Ministry of Tourism who will take action if any issues raised by any tourist

Risk factor of Nadi Town- Four Lane from and To Nadi Airport I also like to highlight the contributing factor towards retention of tourist from Nadi Town. Four Lane would divert away tourist from Nadi Town. If this continues then Nadi Town will be only doing business with locals. What will be the Nadi Town after 10 years? This is why Nadi Tourism Council is formed to protect Nadi Town Tourism and small business operators will benefit.

Conclusion “All this can be only possible if we have one voice and then we will be able to revive Nadi Town a Safe Town for Tourist” I also like to thank todays Government who are investing Dollars to promote Fiji as a tourist destination. We need to address the subject to our Government with just one voice and make Nadi Town a safe place for Tourist.