Tourism at risk without Fiji Airways

Fiji's vital tourism industry is at risk unless the national carrier, Fiji Airways, receives adequate support during its current financial difficulties. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, stated that a new five percent Tourism Services Turnover Tax is a necessary measure to ensure the airline can maintain full operational capacity.

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The future of the industry is dependent on Fiji Airways, and this year there’s a lot of bookings in the system for most of the hoteliers. If Fiji Airways does not come up and perform at its full capacity, all those bookings are questionable. They are under threat.

Gavoka emphasized the critical role Fiji Airways plays in bringing international visitors to the country. He warned that without a robust national airline, thousands of tourist bookings could be jeopardized. "The future of the industry is dependent on Fiji Airways, and this year there’s a lot of bookings in the system for most of the hoteliers," Gavoka said. He stressed that the airline's ability to function at full capacity is essential for the success of these bookings.

The new tax, which will be implemented for 12 months starting in September, is a collaborative effort involving the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, Fiji Airports, the Airport Development Authority, and the government. While acknowledging that some accommodation providers are unhappy with the additional tax, Gavoka asserted that there is no viable alternative.

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So we want Fiji Airways to continue to function at its full capacity, and this is the way to do it, and the government is committed to this. It has been tabled in Parliament, and it’s only for 12 months from September. It’s not going to be forever.

He argued that supporting Fiji Airways is not solely the responsibility of the tourism industry but a collective effort to protect the broader economic ecosystem. "Protecting Fiji Airways means protecting tourism, jobs, and businesses that depend on visitor arrivals," Gavoka stated, highlighting the interconnectedness of the airline's health and the nation's economic well-being.

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Protecting Fiji Airways means protecting tourism, jobs, and businesses that depend on visitor arrivals.