We should aim to raise visitor arrivals threefold in the next three years. The industry and the Government should develop clear strategies to make this happen. It is very encouraging to see three new airlines have started operations to Fiji since December 2009, with our own Air Pacific adding Hong Kong to its list of destinations.
This has linked Fiji to new markets and should boost future visitor arrivals. Let me now touch briefly on Government finances. Fiji has experienced chronic budget deficits over the past two decades. The proportion of capital expenditure to total Government expenditure has been low. On the other hand, operating expenditure has continued to balloon over the years.