RESERVE Bank of Fiji governor, Barry Whiteside said the acceptance of China UnionPay credit and debit cards at BSP ATMs was a milestone achievement.
"This milestone, with the added convenience of direct flights between Hong Kong and Fiji and the No Visa on Arrival policy for Chinese visitors to Fiji, will add to the attractiveness of Fiji as a popular tourist destination for inbound Chinese travellers," Mr Whiteside said.
China UnionPay, together with BSP, will be able to offer Chinese tourists, as well as UnionPay card cardholders from other countries, a better way to facilitate their financial transactions while they are in Fiji.
"We have noted a large increase in tourist arrivals from China recently. In 2009, the number of tourist arrivals from China at 4,087 was just 0.8 per cent of total arrivals. In 2010, the figure rose to 18,147 or 2.9 per cent and further increased to 24,389 or 3.6 per cent in 2011. The latest figure for January to March 2012 is 5.2 per cent."