Few shops open for cruise liner’s visit
Fiji Times, Fiji
AHANDFUL of handicraft sellers had the chance to make money yesterday when the cruise liner Pacific Sun called into Suva.
The ship, which set sail from Australia with more than 200 passengers, will sail through South Pacific ports before returning to Sydney.
But visitors on board had limited shopping opportunities because most boutiques were closed.
Other than curio vendors operating from the Suva Handicraft Market, Jacks of Fiji was the only major department store open yesterday. One handicraft seller, who did not want to be named, said visits like the Pacific Sun’s gave them a chance to showcase their craft and to sell them.
“During the week there are people who come by and buy the items that we have but our work is appreciated much more when visitors from overseas come and buy them,” she said.
The handicraft seller had ornaments and beads and shell jewellery in her temporary stall on Stinson Parade, along the capital city’s foreshore and within sight of the liner berthed at the wharf.
Some of tourists browsing and buying among the handicraft stalls said they were amazed at the detailed and elegantly crafted shell necklaces and bracelets.
After the December 5 coup of last year, visits by cruise ships have been a welcome sight.
Their stop-over indicates people from other nations are confident of calling in here, even if it was only a for a day.