Coup casts its gloom over tourism

George Speight's attempted coup in Fiji has had a major impact on the islands' biggest industry. Mass cancellations have forced Sheraton to close one of its three upmarket resorts on Denarau Island, near Nadi airport.

The Royal Denarau will be closed for at least the next three weeks. Guests will be transferred to the nearby Sheraton Fiji Resort or Sheraton villas.

The company has laid off 200 casual workers, and general manager Mark Mawhinnie said the jobs of his 800 permanent staff might be at risk by the end of the month.

He said Sheraton Resorts and the Fijian tourism industry had a recovery plan but it would not be implemented until the political unrest ended.

New Zealand's High Commission is advising people not to travel to Fiji.