Fiji's prime minister has accused the country's hoteliers of trying to sabotage the economy by making threats if the Qoliqoli Bill is passed into law.
Laisenia Qarase was responding to a warning by the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association that some hotels could be forced to shut down if the Bill comes into force in its present form.
But Mr Qarase has told Fiji TV he is extremely disappointed because it is an extreme reaction and totally uncalled for.
Mr Qarase says the hoteliers are trying to derail the Bill and in doing so they are going to miss an excellent opportunity to build a profitable partnership with Qoliqoli owners.
He says the hoteliers will be given ample time to adapt to any changes if the Bill becomes law.
The prime minister has also offered to meet personally with the hoteliers to provide any clarification on the Bill which will transfer ownership of the foreshore below the high water mark to its traditional owners.
