Worst tourism season on record as Aussies avoid Fiji

Fiji blames torrential rains and the global financial crisis for its quietest tourist season on record.

Tourism heads say visitor numbers from its two biggest markets, Australia and New Zealand, are well down this summer, with many people deferring holidays.

Fiji Islands Hotels Association president Dixon Seeto said extensive January flooding in the country's west and north had been the biggest deterrent for tourists.

"This is our low season anyway, so we usually have fewer people here, but this low season is extremely quiet," Mr Seeto said.

"The global financial situation is playing a part in it, I'm sure, but a lot of it is probably because of the rains and all the negative publicity they've had."

The storms killed eleven people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the tourist town of Nadi alone, leaving a damages bill of $20 million to repair roads, power lines and water pipes.

Sugar cane crops, which earn Fiji $300 million annually, were also severely damaged.

Mr Seeto said Nadi had all but recovered in the three weeks since the most severe weather. Many businesses had reopened and all tourist operations were ready to go.

"The town is looking remarkably good now, and all but a few shops are doing business," he said.