New theory on how Australians fell ill at Warwick Resort as Fiji wants travel warning removed

A new theory has emerged on how four Aussie fell ill after drinking cocktails at a Fiji resort as a local tourism boss has pleaded with the Australian government to remove its warning.

A Fiji tourism boss has pleaded with the Australian government to remove its warning about methanol poisoning on the South Pacific island to save local jobs at hotels.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued an urgent warning about drink spiking in Fiji on Sunday, a day after seven people fell ill after drinking Pina Coladas at a five star resort.

Fiji’s health authorities are yet to discover the cause of the incident, but have ruled out methanol poisoning and illicit drugs.

A bad batch of ice has been floated as a possible cause but tests conducted in Fiji remain ongoing.

Fiji’s government was planning to seek assistance from Australian Federal Police and get samples tested in Australia.

Chief executive of Tourism Fiji Brent Hill urged DFAT to update its travel warning immediately.

The pool where the poisoned drinks were bought at the Warwick Resort. Picture: Jason Edwards

“The methanol warning set everyone on fire after what happened in Laos,” he said.

“We should know more in the next 24-48 hours. I want people to know Fiji is safe.”

Six people, including Australian teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, died in Laos in November after drinking methanol laced vodka.

Senior Federal Labor minister Chris Bowen denied the federal government had been premature in its travel warning, saying it was “not just about Fiji.”

The Lautoka Hospital where four Australians were taken after being poisoned in Fiji. They drank Pina Coladas at the Warwick Resort, which were made with Bounty Rum. Picture: Jason Edwards

“It’s a reminder, plus with the tragic events that we’ve been through in recent weeks with other young Australians who’ve been travelling in the region, it’s a reminder to everyone, if any good can come out of these terrible incidents, to be careful, particularly when overseas,” he said.

“Particularly young people, you know, having a great time travelling, gap year, backpacking, whatever it may be, but it can be a dangerous world out there.”

Mr Bowen said the government’s Smart Traveller advice “will always be based on the best interests of Australians”.

The final victim of the Fiji alcohol sickness incident lands at Coolangatta airport. Picture: Supplied

“Fiji are very key partners and friends of Australia, but the Smart Traveller advice will always be based on the best evidence and advice as to what Australians need to look out for when they’re … overseas,” he said.

Four Australians were among the seven hospitalised but have since returned home after receiving treatment in Lautoka Hospital.

Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill. Picture: Supplied

The Rum that the drinks were made from. Picture: Jason Edwards

A spokesman for Fiji’s Tourism Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka said on Thursday that investigations were continuing.

“It was not methanol or any illicit substances, we need to find out why,” the spokesman said.

“Fiji Health authorities are investigating, we have not yet formally asked, but we may speak to the Australian Federal Police in Fiji.”

Guests at the Warwick Resort, where all seven were staying, were still confused about the poisoning scare on Thursday.

The resort has not served cocktails or spirits since the weekend’s incident.

“What really happened? People are talking about it saying it’s all fake but why did so many people get sick at the same time,” a guest said.

Fiji’s tourism industry injected $2.3 billion into the local economy in 2023, according to Fiji government finance reports.

More than 300,000 Australians visit Fiji every year, with the government hoping to reassure travellers that the country remained safe.

The Australian Federal Police said it would help Fiji police if requested.

“The AFP is aware that toxicology tests were conducted by the Fiji Police Force in relation to seven people affected at the Warwick Resort on 14 December,” a statement said.

“Should the Government of Fiji or the Fiji Police Force request official assistance with the matter, the AFP would consider the request.”

Originally published as New theory on how Australians fell ill at Warwick Resort as Fiji wants travel warning removed