It's an issue that has always been talked about.

The overpricing of products that are sold at many hotels and resorts in the country has been an issue that has emerged a number of times.

Now it has hit the headlines in New Zealand where some aviation commentators have said that the hefty pricing may drive away people.

But are these complaints justified?

Tourism Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has said in the past that hotel operators should always assess the pricing of their goods and services to ensure that they remain competitive apart from the affordable air fares and accommodation rates.

However he maintained that the pricing structure cannot be determined by the government.

On the NZ Herald, Aviation commentator Peter Clark has slammed Fiji's hefty pricing for tourists, saying a raised cost for families during school holidays was unacceptable.

He then gave examples of $6 cost for a can of Coke, or $7 for a bottle of water.

Clark also mentioned negative tax increases.

Sayed-Khaiyum has already said that the Government has already reduced the duty on tourist items and stakeholders need to pass the benefits on to tourists.

Meanwhile former Fiji travel consultant Gordon Chesterman, who has 20 years experience in the industry, said tourists need to be savvier when staying in expensive resorts.

He said it's easy to go to the supermarket to buy small items like food, soft drinks and alcohol   which are going to be overpriced in the hotel.

Fiji Hotels Association President, Dixon Seeto said the complaints are definitely emanating from the five star hotels and it may be coming from people who are coming as part of the budget package deals.