With thousands of workers laid off earlier this year, it’s welcoming to hear news of new hotels and interest shown for hotel developments.

Fiji Hoteliers President Dixon Seeto said close to ten thousand people were employed within the tourism industry at the beginning of this year, and this number decreased as a result of the decline in tourist arrivals within the first three months.

Seeto said the opening of the Natadola Bay Resort and Golf course at the weekend, as well as other interest shown by investors to start up similar projects, it will be welcome news in terms of employment opportunities as well as for development.