ABOUT $23 million is consumed in visitor spend annually by the Australian timeshare industry, a key contribution to our local tourism industry.
This was highlighted by Fiji’s Minister for Industry, Tourism and Trade Faiyaz Koya while opening the Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC) annual conference on Denarau Island, Nadi earlier this morning.
While commending the contribution of the Australian timeshare industry to local tourism, Mr Koya also noted that the theme of the conference, “Dealing with Disruption”, was a timely reminder of the great responsibility held by industry personnel to the public.
“For close to 20 years, Australian timeshare companies have contributed to the employment of thousands of Fijian people across many fields, and it’s a sector which often goes unrecognised and yet has a significant impact on our tourism industry,” he said.
Key Australian timeshare operators in Fiji include Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific, Accor Vacation Club and Ultiqa under the Wyndham, Sofitel and Ultiqa brands, with timeshare resorts here directly employing 420 people.
Additionally, timeshare operations also support Fiji’s construction sector, retail, transportation, tours, attractions and an expansive range of goods and services providers.
Mr Koya said the year-round high occupancy of timeshare resorts in Fiji, which had helped stimulate the economy during both high and low seasons, encouraged repeat visitation and contributions towards visitor spend.
“Without the hotel costs to consider, studies show that timeshare owners generally have more available cash to spend on tours and attractions,” he said.
“Fiji’s tourism earnings have grown at an average eight per cent whilst visitor arrivals have increased five per cent over the past five years.”
This is the third annual conference of ATHOC held in Fiji.
The Fijian Government aims to make local tourism a $2.2 billion industry by 2021.
