Fiji's interim Tourism Minister says a travel advisory notice for Fiji issued by New Zealand is baseless.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Fiji is safer for tourists than some parts of South Auckland.
He says the advisory, updated on Christmas Eve, was based on conjecture and political posturing by the New Zealand Government.
The advisory leaves the security warning at "some risk", but says the expulsion of New Zealand's acting High Commissioner could lead to increased tensions.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the notice appeared to try to undermine Fiji's tourism sector and economy. However, he says it has not affected visitor numbers.
Acting High Commissioner Caroline McDonald returned to New Zealand on Sunday after being declared persona non grata on 23 December.
New Zealand's previous High Commissioner, Michael Green, was also expelled in June 2007.
