Fiji to host World Surfing Event
The Volcom Fiji Pro event will be held at Tavarua and about 32 world class surfers will be in Fiji to participate in the competition.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said Government was very proud to be hosting this event, especially now with the Surfing Decree in place.
“The decree has attracted a lot of world-wide positive attention and we believe this event is another growth in our tourism sector,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“We will not just have 32 participants coming to Fiji but with them will come along about 200-300 other people, for instance their managers and various support staff and organizers. And of course the fan base that follows with it.”
He said this would generate a lot of positive publicity about Fiji and the benefits of coming to Fiji.
“Indeed it will be a boost to our tourism industry. The multiplier effects of people coming to Fiji flying in Air Pacific, staying at hotels, paying VAT, using transportation services to go and watch the event and the organizers coming here and using fuel. These are the multiplier effects that need to be factored in,” the Attorney-General added.
“Again it shows that through deliberate government policy and a forward looking policy, we are able to create various strong segments within the tourism industry in Fiji which is critical because it does fill in periods when you have void.”
Volcom (sponsor) representative, Brad Dougherty said they were thrilled to bring the world title event to Fiji.
“There is a history of events that have been run here and that have been incredibly successful. Waves off Tavarua Island, Cloudbreaks and the restaurants are absolutely some of the best waves in the world,” Mr Dougherty said.
“We want to take this opportunity to put on a world class event, bring the world’s best surfers here and really co-brand our apparel brand with Fiji.”
The representative from Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), Dane Jordon said this would also be an opportunity to showcase Fiji and its culture to the rest of the world.
“There will be a large economic impact immediately while the event is on,” Mr Jordon said.
“It will be broadcast to millions of people live via the internet for free. There will be TV shows going out to nearly 300 million homes around the world, not just showcasing surfing and Cloudbreak but Fiji, Fijian people and the Fijian culture and why Fiji is not just one of the world’s best surfing destinations but also one of best tourist destinations.
“We hope this event is going to have a long-lasting legacy for improving surfing, increasing the number of Fijian surfers, visitors to Fiji for surfing and also the general tourism.”
A local Fijian wild card for the event will also be announced to compete against one of the top five surfers in the world.
Some of the world-famous surfers to take part in the event include Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning, Dane Reynolds, Jody Smith, Adriano de Souza and Michel Bourez among others.
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