Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, 14 November 2024 – In Fiji, our festive season has a unique twist—it arrives just as cyclone season begins.
As we decorate and prepare for holiday gatherings that involve school holidays, family gatherings and many corporate events taking place amidst a flurry of end-of-year activities; we are reminded that it is also time to keep a wary eye on the weather.
While the holidays bring joy, connection, and celebration, they’re often paired with the unpredictable arrival of storms that follow the build-up of hotter, wetter and more humid weather.
Preparing for our cyclone season NOW is critical for business continuity, community and personal safety and the country’s general ability to respond quickly and effectively, and then recover from any setbacks a lot faster.
With our years of resilience and familiarity with this season, we know as an industry that relies on being able to operate seven days a week and remain open 24 hours a day, that taking the time to plan ahead can make all the difference.
Our geographical location places us in a beautiful tropical paradise, but the flip side of Mother Nature’s beauty is that this also leaves us vulnerable to the seasonal cyclones that occur each year.
While this is a fact of life for us, it doesn’t make it any less challenging. And for businesses in the tourism sector, the stakes are high when staff and guest safety are a high priority.
Guests rely on us to provide a safe and memorable experience through staff that can deliver this to the best of their ability and this means we know what to do when the weather turns nasty.
Cyclone season in Fiji is more than just a seasonal shift; it’s a reality we face every year as ocean waters heat up, creating the perfect conditions for storms to form.
This natural phenomenon brings more than just rain; it can bring damaging gale-force winds, destructive storm surges influenced by lunar and tidal forces, and an increased likelihood of flooding due to intense rainfalls. These rains can lead to saturation levels that, because of already high tides, cannot effectively flow outward, exacerbating the potential for flood damage.
Intensifying the impacts of all of these factors are our unchecked human impacts on the natural environment. The development of land that fails to take into account the speed of water runoff from developed areas that don’t allow rainfall to effectively, and more slowly seep into the earth to find its way naturally into waterways, rivers and then oceans.
Add the impact of soil erosion from deforestation, the removal of natural swamps and water holding flood plains and drainage systems, creeks and streams that are blocked from people indiscriminately disposing of their rubbish into them; then you have flooding phenomena that are becoming “normal” for Fiji, and therefore all the more reason for us to get used to this and prepare accordingly.
The resulting disruption to business operations, and damage to property. Everyday lives and the economic upheaval generally is severely underestimated.
Yet many of our people are still surprised when this happens.
In tourism, we’re used to expecting and therefore preparing for the worst, making it essential to take proactive steps to prepare for the cyclone season – ingrained in most operational policies within the industry.
From understanding how to read weather information including maps and keeping a wary eye out for warnings, to how we run practice sessions that ensure everyone knows what to do during an emergency; cyclone season is taken seriously and is the key reason that with practised preparation, allows the industry to bounce back quickly.
Preparation doesn’t only protect your business, it also safeguards your guests, staff, and the community at large.
It’s about being ready— well before the storm hits.
And November, the recognised start of our “cyclone season” is the time to start preparing.
For most businesses in the tourism sector, this means assessing everything from property readiness to communication strategies.
And anyone can do this in their homes, businesses, schools or religious buildings.
Start by inspecting and reinforcing your property, ensuring that roofs, windows, and doors can withstand high winds, and have the ability to be locked or strapped down, have cyclone shutters that can quickly be put up.
Be prepared to secure loose items.
Storm-proofing your property reduces damage and enhances safety, especially from flying debris.
Additionally, review and update your emergency plans, and train staff (or your community or family) on evacuation routes and emergency procedures.
If you’re in a flood-prone area, know when to evacuate considering that daytime evacuation is always safer than doing so at night.
Prepare for potential disruptions in power and water by stocking up on essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, first-aid kits, and flashlights.
Backup power, fuel and emergency lighting are crucial for maintaining operations during outages.
Establish clear lines of communication with both staff and guests, using social media, email, or text alerts to keep everyone informed about weather updates and safety measures.
Stay informed through reliable weather services, such as Fiji’s Meteorological Service, and share timely updates with your team and guests.
Lastly, ensure that your business is covered by cyclone insurance to protect against financial losses.
With these steps, we can all minimise the impact of cyclones, ensuring the safety of everyone we are responsible for.
Remember, cyclone season doesn’t just affect you; it affects everyone in the region.
By preparing your business, you help ensure the safety and continuity of your business, which in turn ensures we remain a resilient destination for visitors.
Whether it’s reinforcing structures, investing in backup generators, or securing insurance, this can help bolster your readiness for the season ahead.
As we move into the cyclone season, everyone should be focusing on readiness and resilience.
Together, we can weather any storm safely, efficiently, and with the same warmth and hospitality that defines the Fijian tourism experience.
During this cyclone season, make the time to check that your business, home or community is safe, secure, and ready for whatever comes your way.
By being proactive, informed, and prepared, we can ensure that Fiji continues to thrive—storm or shine.
Fantasha Lockington – CEO, FHTA (Published in the Fiji Times on 14 November 2024)
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association
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