The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association is now focused on increasing the number of Chinese tourists to the country.

This comes after the number of arrivals from China dropped in the last two years, despite the strengthened relationship between the two countries.

Association President, Dixon Seeto says in order to increase visitors from China, direct connectivity needs to be enhanced.

Seeto says it could be a boost in Chinese arrivals if the Aviation Ministry and the National Carrier, Fiji Airways would concern flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

“Rosie Holidays does a top job in many countries before the schedule services start, they actually start with ad hoc or chartered services and these are very popular. It also shows that there is potential in these markets. A lot of countries are now looking for the Chinese visitor because they have the greatest spending power and the value to the tourism industry is what people bring in, in terms of foreign exchange because it creates jobs and investments."

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Shaheen Ali says the slight dip could possibly be due to the Chinese New Year chartered flights.

Ali says from all indications, the Chinese market is expected to grow and the Industry needs to be China ready.

As of January last year, the number of Chinese tourists amounted to 5,908 whereas in January 2018, the numbers stood at 3,757.