We’re keeping busy with our eyes on tomorrow
Tomorrow is Fiji’s National Day. And despite the challenges we’ve faced in 2020, we are determined to beat the lali drum with gusto and celebrate the importance of Fiji Day, this Saturday 10th October.
This year is particularly special as it marks the 50th golden anniversary of Fiji’s independence from British colonial rule. We are proud to be Fijian for so many reasons. This worldwide pandemic has shown our warrior strength and heartfelt hospitality will survive even the toughest of circumstances.
Whilst we wait for certainty surrounding border re-opening timelines, we remain hopeful we may even be welcoming overseas guests again before the end of the year. Meanwhile, there are a number of things to keep us bouyed and positive, not least that Fiji was recently named in an international travel survey by TourLane as ‘the safest country to travel in the world post Covid-19.’
Keeping busy, positive and getting ready for tomorrow
We have been very busy with new strategies to ensure VOMO is safe and ready to hit the ground running as soon as the borders reopen.
Our GM Justin King, pictured below with the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, has been busy liaising with Fiji government officials and tourism stakeholders in discussions pertaining to how we can help the Tourism Industry return to to its former glory post-COVID-19.
Tourism is the lifeblood of Fiji. COVID-19 has hit tourism businesses hard. And we’re working our hardest right now to be ready for tomorrow.
What have we been up to?
While we wait patiently for international borders to open, we have begun opening to local Fijian residents on specified dates so that we can continue to practise and perfect our particular brand of heartfelt luxury. Those who have not stayed with us before, are welcoming the chance to explore one of the most established luxury products in Fiji. We will open this weekend for Fiji Day and again over Diwali – The Festival of Lights in November.
In addition, we are actively partnering with the government and private jet companies to take advantage of Fiji’s VIP program. This program allows those who can travel privately to effectively isolate in paradise for an extended time. In VOMO’s case, this would involve having the entire island to yourself for a minimum of 14 days, to enjoy privately. Read more here about our private island hire options.
As soon as the international stage opens, VOMO’s dressed ready to give a stellar performance…
It’s also been busy on VOMO with the implementation of new Safety & Hygeine procedures and to help with the stimulation of future bookings we’ve devised a new flexible cancellation policy so guests can book 2021 and 2022 in advance with confidence. In turn, this allows us to forward-plan for a full post-COVID-19 recovery with confidence as well.
With all this activity in the background, we’re as ready as ever.
Most importantly…
We’ve done our best to ensure our staff on VOMO remain employed and are looked after throughout this time of real crisis. Of note is the instigation of the Go Fund Me page for hospitality workers – not just for VOMO staff but for other Fiji hospitality workers in real need. To date we have raised $48,000 dollars (!) and were heartened to present staff with $100 worth of food vouchers per family.
We take this opportunity to thank all donors who gave generously. Below are some images of staff receiving vouchers on the mainland. A few tears shared we can assure you.
Until we see you again. Loloma. Vinaka Vaka levu.