Tourism operators warn against Fiji sanctions

Tourism operators in the South Pacific are growing desperate as political crises bite into the economies of Fiji and the Solomon Islands.

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation said the Fiji coup, which began on May 19, had cost 20,000 jobs and $200 million in tourism revenue.

It pleaded with tourism operators to weigh carefully any punitive action against Fiji and the Solomons.

Fiji was a gateway to the region, "thus there is an 'add-on' impact on our other member countries who are not directly involved."

A statement issued through Air New Zealand said the crises in Fiji and the Solomons were isolated and did not affect the rest of the South Pacific, which retained its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.

Tourists should be encouraged to visit other areas of the Pacific.

"We would ask for the support and understanding of our overseas partners in tourism and those who may be considering some form of punitive measures against Fiji and the Solomon Islands.

"Such actions would have their most serious effect on the innocent thousands employed in our industry, including those in other countries."

The organisation noted that Fiji had already been removed from some cruise itineraries.

Two days ago the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned tourists not to travel to Fiji or the Solomons. It said the few New Zealanders left in the Solomons should take the next available flight.

New Zealanders in Fiji have been told to "maintain current planning for leaving the country in case the need arises."

Meanwhile, the Law Society has backed a call by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Justice, Phil Goff, for retired New Zealand judges to weigh up carefully their continued involvement in Fiji.

He said it was important that New Zealand continued to have a role in Fiji's judicial system, but judges had to balance that with working in a country that had a racist, undemocratic Government with no concern for human rights.

Ian Haynes, the convener of the Law Society's international committee, said he agreed that New Zealand judges were "invaluable" to Fiji at the higher levels of the judiciary.

"But on the other hand, I'm sure that on an ongoing basis the judges concerned wouldn't wish to have continued involvement unless they are satisfied the justice system in Fiji is operating properly and independently."

Retired New Zealand judges, and those from Australia, have traditionally played a big part in the Fijian judiciary.

However, that involvement ground to a halt after the coup when former Chief Justice Sir Thomas Eichelbaum and Justices Rod Gallen and David Tompkins left the islands.

Mr Haynes said Justices Sir Ian Barker and Robert Smellie were also on the roster, which sees judges invited to Fiji for two to three weeks.

- NZPA