Fiji relies on tourism for the majority of its income. With the Covid-19 crisis, the tourism industry has almost entirely collapsed, putting many people out of work and under incredible strain. Facing those difficulties, Fiji is planning to create a travel bubble with Australia and New Zealand ASAP. This Bula Bubble is an arrangement that would allow Fiji to welcome back holidaymakers from Australia and New Zealand. Like the Hawaiian word aloha, bula has a variety of meanings and uses. Its literal meaning is "life" but Bula is generally used to greet people or say hello in Fiji.
The Bula Bubble
The Bula Bubble plan involves Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji and would allow travellers from both Australia and New Zealand to visit Fiji. Fiji’s Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama said:
“Everywhere they go will be wholly dedicated to others who match the same criteria, safely guided by what we’re calling VIP lanes”
The VIP lanes will be special pathways reserved for tourists spending their holiday in Fiji. These areas will be demarcated to ensure there is minimal, controlled and limited contact with Fijians.
However, visitors will need to meet some requirements to be able to access those VIP lanes. They will need to provide a certificate ensuring their 14 days of quarantine in their home country, and a proof of a negative COVID test result within 48 hours of their departure for Fiji. If they couldn’t quarantine in their home previously, they will need to complete 14 days of quarantine at their own cost in a Fijian Government-designated quarantine centre or a hotel of their choosing. After which a negative COVID test will allow them to start their Bula Bubble vacation.
When will the Bula Bubble start?
The Bula Bubble is for now only a work in progress. The main stumbling block at the moment being the mandatory 14 days quarantines Australians and Kiwi's would have to undergo after their trip to Fiji. According to Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum:
“Because we are COVID contained and because we have the VIP lanes and the Bula Bubble, upon my return, I should not have to go into quarantine...No Australian or Kiwi will want to come for one week’s holiday in Fiji and have to quarantine for 14 days when they get back”
Though the Bula Bubble is still being worked out & negotiated, Fiji Airways is already launching its Bula Bubble Campaign to attract tourists back to Fiji. The campaign includes holiday packages, amongst which a $400 stipend and a 45% discount.
Fiji Blue Lanes
While the Bula Bubble with New Zealand and Australia has yet to start, Fiji’s Blue Lanes initiative has already begun. Fiji started to reopen its waters to travellers by establishing Blue Lanes for yachts and pleasure craft wanting to explore the islands. Port Denarau Marina now permits entry into Fiji. A 14 days quarantine is necessary if you wish to disembark in Fiji. However, the travel time can already count as the quarantine!
More than 70 yachts have already benefited from the Blue Lanes! Port Denarau Marina Limited Chief Executive Cynthia Rasch said:
“There has been a little bit more activity in terms of people’s movement. Not as much as we normally expect at this time of the year. But there has been a lot more stimulation of businesses out there. Our workshops, which carry out repairs and maintenance work are extremely busy. As far as I can see they are all back in business and operating fully now on a weekly basis. “
How can you help the locals?
The Fijian people are looking forward to tourists returning to their amazing country to help restore the economy. As the pandemic subsides, you should consider Fiji for your next vacation, as if you come soon you will be among the lucky few who experience this paridise in its purest form in decades. If you can permit it, explore more of the region you would have previously considered. After all, Fiji is one of the best places in the world to go island hopping! Fiji's hundreds of tropical islands all offer spectacular sceneries and stunning and remote places to discover. The Yasawa Islands, the Mamanuca Islands, Mana Island, Cloud 9, Castaway Island, Malamala Island are all within easy reach of each other and offer something unique and worth experiencing. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options and would like to get some personalized holiday advice, feel free to contact us!
The Blue Lanes and the Bula Bubble are definitely part of the path forward to assist Fiji in the recovery of the tourism industry. It is encouraging to see that the Fijian authorities are doing everything they can to help the tourism economy start again. I sincerely hope that visitors will take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience Fiji at its most pristine, travel as safely as possible, and support the local communities.
For the latest Coronavirus news in Fiji, check out our news page.
About the author
Hi! I'm Axelle, the
Fijibookings.com
writer of this blog post.
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