Seven foreign tourists who suffered from serious health issues after consuming cocktails at the Warwick Fiji resort are no longer facing concerns of alcohol poisoning or illicit drug use, according to recent reports.
The tourists, which included four Australians and one American, were hospitalized on Saturday with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues after drinking piña coladas at the five-star resort near Sigatoka. They have since made a complete recovery, declared Fiji’s Tourism Minister Viliame R. Gavoka.
Gavoka confirmed on Wednesday, based on toxicology results, “I can confirm no illicit substances or methanol were found in the ingredients or liquor samples.” He emphasized the news was “great for Fiji, especially for our tourism industry” which heavily relies on the reputation of safe dining and drinking experiences.
This incident raised immediate alarm and drew unsettling comparisons to another health scare earlier this month, when six tourists died in Laos after reportedly consuming drinks contaminated with methanol. A similar fate was feared for the tourists at Warwick Fiji, exacerbated by the fact the drinking environment had been labeled risky due to suspected alcohol poisoning.
Fiji’s Health Ministry had previously announced at least seven tourists were treated for symptoms aligning with methanol poisoning after enjoying cocktails together at the resort's bar. Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister, Viliame R. Gavoka, urged agencies to remove travel warnings linked to drink spiking following the findings.
While many were worried about the potential ramifications of this incident on tourism, Gavoka pointed out no tourists had canceled their plans to visit Fiji. “There’s no indication of people cancelling. What we hear is disbelief—people can’t believe Fiji would spike drinks or add harmful substances,” Gavoka remarked.
Authorities are still delving deep to understand the full circumstances surrounding the tourists' health issues, which have perplexed investigators. Permanent Secretary for Health, Jemesa Tudravu, noted the illnesses could be due to various factors, including possible chemical reactions or infections.
“We don’t have results yet to ascertain the precise reason for these hospitalizations, but we are investigating. We can’t pin it down until we have more information,” Tudravu stated monday, remaining cautious not to jump to conclusions.
The occurrence is unprecedented for the Warwick Fiji, which has been operational for 40 years without similar issues. The hotel announced they were working closely with the authorities to get to the bottom of the matter and pledged to prioritize guest safety. A spokesperson noted: “We are aware of the recent news and are currently conducting thorough investigations.”
Beyond the immediate hospitalizations, this incident has cast shadows on Fiji’s tourism, prompting Australia to update its travel advisory for the region. Officials warned travelers to stay vigilant of potential drink-related hazards, explaining, “Don’t leave your drinks unattended... Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed,” advised Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Despite the anxiety this incident has generated, Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka maintains confidence. He addressed the public, highlighting this was “an extremely isolated one, affecting only seven guests” at the Warwick resort, urging the global audience to find the true narrative, and questioning if negative media coverage stemmed from competitors.
Tourism is regarded as pivotal for Fiji, providing substantial economic support and employment for many locals. The reputation of safe drinking practices and the image of being a paradise for visitors is ingrained within the nation’s tourism marketing. The recent health scare underlines the fragility of this image.
While the investigation continues, the priority remains ensuring the well-being of any guests at the resort, along with restoring tourists' confidence in Fiji as a safe destination. The incident serves as grim reminder to both tourists and operators about the importance of vigilance when consuming local beverages.
