Superyachts Coming To Fiji As South Pacific Yachting Hub

Fiji is being eyed as the super yacht hub of the South Pacific, says Transport Minister Colonel Timoci Natuva. He said the superyacht industry was a fast growing business, contributing to the income generated through the tourism industry. Mr. Natuva said in its effort to boost business, the government was planning to regularize the first-ever super yacht decree.

Fiji is fast becoming the super yacht hub of the South Pacific and the Port Denarau Marina has positioned itself as the main port of operation.

This is considered paramount as Fiji moves towards the regularizing of the first ever super yacht decree, he said.

Port Denarau business manager Cynthia Rasch said development works amounting to more than $2 million had just been completed at Denarau to accommodate an additional six super yachts, adding to the existing capacity for 10.

She said 700 superyachts arrived at Denarau in 2010 compared to the more than 900 that berthed last year.

The superyacht business is massive. Last year, there were approximately 700 superyachts and megayachts that came here, excluding the smaller yachts.

They have been fully booked for the next 3 months and that is going to give us good revenue, especially with the construction of the six superyacht berths. The super yachts contributed immensely to income generated by the Denarau economy as they are big spenders.

And because of the favorable weather condition most of these travelers tend to stay here for a year. We are seeing more and more people requesting to stay because of the 18-month maximum stay in the country. Most people leave boats behind because leaving the boat here is much cheaper compared to New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world and this has all contributed to the economic growth in Denarau.

Mrs Rasch said the port could now accommodate 16 superyachts and 53 small yachts, in addition to other boats and vessels.

Source: Fiji News