Good news for destination brides considering Fiji; the country’s COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT) has just loosened protocols for business operators, and they can now operate at full capacity.
It’s been almost a year since country borders reopened after a pandemic-induced closure for nearly two years, and as tourism rebounds, the stress of organising a Pacific Island wedding should become an easier fete between wedding organisers and vendors on the ground in Fiji.
As the taskforce specifies, new changes include dropping the once mandatory VAX-Check tool for businesses certified by the Care Fiji Commitment program, including those who operate a ship with a coasting trade license.
Capacity limitations are also out the door so you can expand your guest list, while permits to operate for high-risk businesses and tourism operators no longer apply.
The CRMT notes that local vaccination coverage has been a key driver for loosened protocols, though COVID-safe measures are still urged.
“Over 100 percent of Fiji’s adult population have received at least one dose while 95 percent have received the second dose. The CRMT will continue to review COVID safe measures and entry requirements, with a focus on fostering socio-economic recovery, maintaining border and community surveillance to ensure early warning of future threats, and supporting the mandate for community wide protection through vaccination.”
Recently ranked the second most beautiful wedding destination in the world by lifestyle site, The Trend Spotter, Fiji offers the practical as well as the pretty; inclusive packages, a global flight network for guests and some three hours flying time from Australia and New Zealand, where the country draws most of its foreign visitors.
“With more than 3000 islands making up this archipelago in the South Pacific, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting the perfect island for your special day,” the lifestyle site reports.
Lucky couples who’ve managed to snag a private island for their vows include Shani and Tavake Tonga, who tied the knot earlier this year on Yaromo Island, part of the Yasawa chain of islands.
Yaromo is a three-minute boat ride from Blue Lagoon Resort, where they later held their wedding reception.
“It’s a dream wedding destination as you get a private island for the ceremony and then a resort for everyone to stay at and host the reception. I’m not sure how many private islands you can access for a wedding in Fiji so good concept!,” Shani shared.
Resorts like the InterContinental Fiji Resort & Spa have recently revamped their wedding packages and launched a club buy-out for groups wanting the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity.
“A Club InterContinental Buyout dedicates the entire Club team to the and groom’s guests, securing all 50 suites poised high on the plateau overlooking Natadola Beach,” the property confirmed.
MORE NEWS:
Is this the world’s best island destination?
Best Oceania travel destinations named
The resort also recently hosted an IHG Wedding Show for planners, public relations, and media personnel in a tradeshow with local wedding vendors.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase our unique Resort and work with our local vendors and partners to highlight why Fiji is the ideal destination for weddings,” General Manager, Lachlan Walker said.
Over 300 islands make up the Fijian archipelago and from Nadi, wedding groups can easily catch a domestic flight, sea plane, helicopter ride or hop onto transit and chartered boats to get around.
Nadi is also home to a superyacht marina on Denarau Island, connected to the mainland by causeway. For other sea voyagers and yachties, ports of entry are also located in Lautoka City, Vuda (between Nadi and Lautoka) and Savusavu – on Fiji’s second largest island.
