Luxury yachting in the Fiji Islands: a stakeholders' perspective
Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes
ISSN: 1755-4217
Article publication date: 13 April 2023
Issue publication date: 28 July 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study explored the experiences and perceptions of stakeholders concerning luxury yachting in the Fiji Islands. It also revealed the facilities provided on luxury yachts, significant challenges faced by stakeholders in the yachting business, major luxury yacht operators and the safety measures in place for the patrons/consumers of luxury yachting.
Design/methodology/approach
It employed an exploratory qualitative methodology that incorporated 16 in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews with stakeholders in the luxury yachting businesses via contact with superyacht agents. The interview participants for this research were selected based on a non-random sampling technique in the major marinas of the Fiji Islands (i.e. Port Denarau Marina, Copra Shed Marina, Savusavu, Royal Suva Yacht club, and Vuda marina).
Findings
Results revealed that the services/facilities provided on luxury yachts are state-of-the-art; however, there is a need to integrate luxury yachting with more personalized, creative, unique and innovative experiences. Findings also suggest the need for government funding for the redevelopment/renovation of some ports and provide skill-based training for yacht employees.
Originality/value
This study contributes to filling some of the gaps in the luxury yachting literature in Fiji and sheds light on stakeholders' perceptions of the amenities offered at marinas and ports, significant challenges in the yachting industry and safety measures in place for patrons.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is a part of the fully funded research grant no. SRC 03/2022/2.1.2 of The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Fiji Islands. The authors are grateful to the university for providing the funds for data collection. The authors are also grateful to Ms. Cynthia Rasch, CEO of Port Denarau Marina, Nadi, Fiji, and Ms. Nirvana from Copra Shed Marina, Savusavu for providing the necessary data resources for this study. The authors also recognize the contribution of Ms. Nanise Masau in providing the important leads for the data collection.
Citation
Gupta, V. and Roy, H. (2023), "Luxury yachting in the Fiji Islands: a stakeholders' perspective", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 409-421. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-03-2023-0041
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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