Two Australian flight crew members were allegedly robbed and sexually assaulted in Fiji, sparking concerns about the impact on the nation's tourism industry.
Fijians are worried about the impact of alleged attacks on two Australian flight crew members who were celebrating New Year’s Eve on the tourist-dependent nation. Local authorities are investigating allegations that one Virgin Australia crew member was robbed and another was sexually assaulted after attending the Nadi nightclub area on Fiji’s west coast. Fiji’s tourism and civil aviation ministry said the incidents in the early hours of New Year’s Day were “regrettable”.
A suspect known to police had been questioned over the alleged sexual assault, Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka said. Locals are worried this incident and another in December where four Australians, among a group of seven tourists, fell ill after drinking cocktails at the five-star Warwick Fiji resort could affect the tourism industry. Hosanna Kabakoro, the founder of the Indigenous-led South Pacific Foundation which provides clean water access to rural and maritime communities in Fiji, says locals feel awful for the victims of the alleged crimes. “The general feeling here in Fiji is that everyone feels so bad for the victims. We feel awful that they had a terrible experience while visiting Fiji,” Ms Kabakoro told AAP. “It’s definitely the topic of discussion today here in Fiji, but generally, people are surprised that it happened here in Nadi.” The NGO founder said the western coastal town is known for being a very safe place and reassured visitors that its nightlife is one of the safest places to go out in the Pacific. Tourism is one of the largest contributors to Fiji’s wealth, accounting for about 40 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product, according to the Australian government. “For a country that’s as small as Fiji, that does rely as heavily on tourism as Fiji does, everyone is worried,” Ms Kabakoro sai
FIJI TOURISM AUSTRALIA CRIME SAFETY
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tourism boss’ message to Fiji visitors after suspected alcohol poisoning at resortTwo tourists - including one Australian - remain in hospital after a dream Fiji holiday turned into a nightmare when several people fell ill in a suspected alcohol poisoning.
Read more »
Fiji Tourism Minister Reassures Safety After Suspected Alcohol PoisoningSeven tourists, including four Australians, were hospitalized in Fiji after drinking pina coladas at a five-star resort. The Tourism Minister assures that Fiji is safe and this is an isolated incident.
Read more »
Methanol ruled out as final Australian discharged following Fiji poisoningThe Fijian government says testing has shown methanol poisoning was not the cause of an incident which saw four Australians and three others hospitalised.
Read more »
Australian Woman Evacuated from Fiji After Hotel Cocktail IllnessAn Australian woman was medically evacuated from Fiji after experiencing illness following a cocktail at a five-star hotel. While a toxicology report found no spiked substances, the cause of the illness remains unknown. Seven people in total fell ill, exhibiting nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms.
Read more »
Last Australian Tourist Poisoned at Fiji Resort Returns HomeA 49-year-old Australian woman, who was among the tourists poisoned at a Fiji resort last week, has been medically evacuated to the Gold Coast. She is the last Australian to return home following the mass poisoning event in which seven people fell ill after drinking pina coladas. The cause of the poisoning remains a mystery, with no methanol detected in the cocktails.
Read more »
Australian airline crew allegedly attacked and robbed in FijiVirgin Australia has sent staff to support crew members who were allegedly assaulted and robbed after a night out clubbing in Fiji early on New Year's Day.
Read more »