The Nadi International Airport will soon be bolstered with inspection facilities to cater for the increased number of tourists arriving into the country.
The “Enhancing COVID-19 Preparedness for Tourism Recovery” project was made possible with the recent signing of a $6.3 million grant by the Asian Development Bank and the Government yesterday.
This financial deal was signed by the Aviation Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, regional director of ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office in Fiji Aaron Batten and Japan ambassador to Fiji Kawakami Fumihiro.
The A-G highlighted that such a partnership would support major upgrades at the Nadi International Airport, therefore, enabling the tourism industry to continue on a sustainable pathway towards recovery.
“Our national effort to overcome the worst of the pandemic has restored the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Fijians—with more getting back to work every day,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“This partnership supports a major upgrade for the award-winning Nadi International Airport that sets our tourism industry on a sustainable path towards recovery. By constantly seeking ways to make travel to Fiji easier, simpler, and safer, we will ensure that we remain open for happiness throughout our recovery and beyond.”
Mr Fumihiro stated in his address that this project was aimed at improving COVID-19 measures at the airport and expanding Fiji’s COVID-10 inspection capacities through the construction of inspection facilities as well as procurement of RAT-PCR inspection machines, related lab equipment and consumables.
The Government has also contributed $270, 000 towards this project.
