The tourism industry welcomes the first cruise ship to arrive in Fiji this year. The Pacific Dawn berthed at Port Denarau in Nadi yesterday carrying more than 200 passengers.
The cruise liner sailed from Brisbane, Australia for a stop-over in Isle of Pines, New Caledonia and Mystery Island in Vanuatu before reaching Fiji.
It will dock at the Kings Wharf in Suva today.
Tourism Fiji Chairman, Patrick Wong, said the cruise liner would boost foreign exchange earnings.
Mr Wong said industry stakeholders needed to play a proactive approach in order to attract more cruise liners into Fiji.
“Cruise liners hype up activities and create income for local businesses and communities.
“It creates opportunities for handicraft dealers, weavers, taxi and bus operators and tour operators,” he said.
Mr Wong said a collective approach was needed from stakeholders to encourage activities for cruise liner passengers.
He said cruise liners play an important role in Fiji tourism.
SUN FIJI NEWSROOM