Dear Qualifier:
As you are aware, the new Omicrom Variant is becoming increasingly active throughout the world. In looking at our upcoming Sales Conference to Fiji, we want to get your opinion on how comfortable you and your guest(s) would feel traveling there in the current climate. Fiji is an amazing country with wonderful people who bring the Bula spirit to life. The country recently reopened to tourism on Dec 1st and is looking forward to an increase in tourism this year.
While we have no way of predicting what Fiji will be like in March (8 weeks to our departure time), the current situation in Fiji is as follows:
Age 18+ are 92% vaccinated - 71% of total population vaccinated
Approx. 405 new infections per day and consistently increasing
40.7 % positivity rate for those testing (Utah positivity rate is 33%)
Must have proof of vaccination for all who enter – or proof that you have had a positive COVID test within 90 days
COVID Testing Requirements:
Negative Rt- PCR Test taken within 2 days of leaving (Age 12 & up)
Rapid Antigen test taken 48 hours after arriving in Fiji
Test taken prior to leaving Fiji and returning home to the U.S.
A few other items to consider:
Travel Insurance Required to enter Country – this should cover any costs for medical, food or lodging if a positive test occurs while in the country
Masks must be worn at all times except when eating/drinking – can be fined up to $117 if you do not comply
Group Sizes limited to 20 people (meaning we would need to travel in small groups once in Fiji – our group size now is about 120 people)
All travelers must download Contact tracing app on phone and keep with them at all times
Social Distancing on all Transports - Will Require additional transports
Depleted Staff at Hotels and with Travel Company - At times service will be below standard
Some desired locations/excursions currently are not and may not be available. For example, the Sigatoka River Experience - questionable whether or not we will be able to visit villages.
If someone tests positive (which odds are one or more will), they must quarantine for 7 days in hotel room - Cost of food and hotel is responsibility of individual - Travel insurance should cover some of the cost
New Zealand not open – Travelers would not be able to extend
We are not trying to paint a negative picture, but just stating the current facts and circumstances. As we have seen previously, all this could change by March.
For most of us, Fiji is a once in a lifetime destination. Our goal is to provide a safe and inspiring trip that reflects the authentic Fiji. We must make a decision by early next week.