The Straits Times 25 January 2021 – Fiji, where the tourism sector accounts for some 30 per cent of the economy, has targeted wealthy tourists, including through its “Blue Lanes” scheme which allows yachts and pleasure craft to enter the country. Those aboard must have a Covid-19 test and can enter the country if they have been at sea without contact with others for 14 days. Otherwise, they can quarantine for 14 days on their boat or at a local hotel.
So far, at least 95 boats have entered the country as part of the programme. These visitors reportedly include Google co-founder Larry Page who, according to The Australian Financial Review, has a A$45 million (S$46 million) superyacht based in Fiji. Some visitors have also been allowed to enter on private jets as long as they quarantine.
In December, Fiji introduced a new programme called “Luxury Vacation in Paradise” to allow arrivals to quarantine in a secluded, luxury resort. The government said the scheme was part of efforts by Fiji and other countries to shift “focus away from mass tourism to more niche, high-spending travellers”.
“The overarching approach of ‘Luxury Vacation in Paradise’ is to allow tourists to safely enter and holiday in Fiji – with the quarantine period being part of the Fijian holiday experience,” the government said in a statement.
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Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association
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