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🇫🇯 Fiji /Economy & Trade

Fiji tourism fund nearly fully allocated with 25 projects approved

From FBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Fiji's Tourism Micro and Small Enterprises Fund has approved 25 projects totaling $399,648 against a $400,000 allocation for the 2025-2026 financial year.
  • The fund has disbursed 91% of the approved funding, with demand concentrated in established tourism regions like the Western Division.
  • Beneficiaries include tour operations, marine tourism, and homestays, with a notable increase in diving-related proposals and investments in upgrades and renewable energy.

Fiji's Pilot Tourism Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) Fund has nearly exhausted its budget, approving 25 projects for the 2025-2026 financial year. The fund, designed to support small tourism operators, received 32 applications, with 25 approved for a total of $399,648 against its $400,000 allocation.

Most of the approved grants have already been committed and disbursed.

— Viliame GavokaDeputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka stated the status of the Pilot Tourism Micro and Small Enterprises Fund.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka reported that $365,910.55, or 91% of the approved funding, has already been disbursed. The remaining funds are committed to ongoing payments and deferred projects. Demand for the fund is highest in established tourism areas, particularly in the Western Division, with provinces like Ba, Nadroga/Navosa, and Ra leading applications. The Northern Division also saw increased participation.

25 were approved for funding, amounting to $399,648 against an allocation of $400,000.

— Viliame GavokaMinister Gavoka provided details on the number of approved applications and their total value.

Benefiting businesses span various tourism sectors, including tour operations, marine and adventure tourism, homestays, and cultural experiences. Minister Gavoka noted a rise in diving-related proposals and investments in equipment upgrades, safety enhancements, and renewable energy systems like solar installations. Small enterprises accounted for 58% of applicants, while micro businesses made up 27%. Women-led applications represented 18% of the total.

$365,910.55 has already been disbursed, representing 91 per cent of the approved funding.

— Viliame GavokaThe Minister detailed the disbursement rate of the approved funds.

Several applications were deferred due to funding limits, with commitments reaching the program's ceiling. The selection process involved a panel review in November 2025. Over half of the participating businesses have also received training in areas such as business continuity and digital skills to improve their long-term viability. The Ministry is continuing to monitor and evaluate the pilot program's effectiveness as it considers future directions and potential expansion.

The demand for the fund remains concentrated in established tourism regions.

— Viliame GavokaMinister Gavoka described the geographical distribution of fund applications.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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