Australian Timeshare, the unsung hero of Fiji Tourism

Fiji has said “thank you” for a $23 million annual bonanza provided by Australian Timeshare companies to the local industry. Speaking at the Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC) conference this week, Fijian tourism minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said the contribution was far-reaching. “For close to 20 years, Australian timeshare companies have contributed to the employment of thousands of Fijian people across many fields,” he said. “It is a sector which often goes unrecognised and yet has a significant impact on our tourism industry.” Australia’s timeshare operators, which includes Accor Vacation Club among others, attracts more than 50,000 timeshare holidaymakers to Fiji each year and facilitates more than FJD$23 million in visitor spend per annum, Fiji’s timeshare resorts employ over 420 people directly, while also supporting the construction sector, retail, transportation, tours, attractions and a wide range of goods and services providers. Timeshare resorts typically have high occupancy all year round, which helps the Fiji economy during low and high seasons. Timeshare clubs also encourage repeat visitation to Fiji and contribute to visitor spend. Without the hotel room costs to consider, studies show that timeshare owners generally have more available cash to spend on tours and attractions. Fiji’s tourism earnings have grown at an average eight per cent whilst arrivals have increased five per cent over the past five years. The Fijian Government encourages sustainable development in all segments of the industry to contribute to the target of a FJD$2.2 billion industry by 2021. Minister Koya thanked the industry for its contribution to Fijian communities. For more visit https://www.accomnews.com.au/2018/09/the-unsung-aussie-heroes-of-fiji-tourism/