The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association is calling for urgent government intervention to address the growing fuel and shipping crisis affecting Taveuni, warning that the issue is now impacting not only businesses but entire communities that rely on regular maritime services.

While a number of hotels and resorts on the island are currently operating at or near full occupancy, many are experiencing increasing difficulty securing fuel needed to maintain essential operations including electricity generation, water supply, transport, guest services and emergency backup systems.

FHTA Chief Executive Officer Fantasha Lockington says the tourism industry was deeply concerned that an island welcoming visitors from around the world was simultaneously struggling to access one of its most basic operational necessities.

Lockington says Taveuni’s tourism operators have shown remarkable resilience and continue to deliver the level of service visitors expect despite the challenges, however, fuel is not a luxury and it is fundamental to keeping businesses operating, staff employed and visitors safe.

She says their concern extends well beyond tourism.

Lockington says if established businesses with supply chains and purchasing power are struggling to secure fuel, the situation facing households, farmers, transport providers and essential services across the island is likely to be even more difficult.

He says the association acknowledged the important role of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji in ensuring vessels operate safely and within the law.

Lockington says safety standards must never be compromised, however, the Association said regulation alone cannot be the end of the conversation.

She adds that MSAF has a critical statutory role in protecting lives at sea, and they fully support that responsibility.

The assitions has stated that the current disruption highlights the importance of maritime transport as critical national infrastructure rather than simply a commercial service.