Tourism boom hinges on Fiji Airways

Fiji's tourism industry's resilience and growth are intrinsically linked to the operational strength of Fiji Airways, according to Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka. He highlighted that the airline's ability to sustain full flight capacity, even during the recent fuel crisis, was instrumental in safeguarding the nation's vital tourism sector.

Gavoka emphasized that the performance of hotels and various tourism-related businesses directly depends on robust air connectivity. He further explained that the temporary tourism service tax should be understood as a necessary measure to protect the aviation sector, which underpins thousands of jobs and supports a wide array of businesses across the country. "When we invest in this infrastructure, we are building opportunities for small resorts, village stores, and young people in the north, and communities that have waited too long for their share of tourism benefits," he stated.

The minister pointed to achievements like the Radisson Blu Resort winning the 2025 Hotel of the Year Award as evidence of what is possible when Fiji Airways operates at maximum capacity. Beyond supporting established successes, the government is actively pursuing expansion of tourism offerings through initiatives like the Na Vualiku Tourism Development Program. This program has received $10 million in the new financial year to enhance critical infrastructure, including roads, airports, water, sanitation, energy, and waste management systems.

Early positive outcomes from these investments are already emerging, evidenced by community tourism grants, support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and programs focused on women-led enterprises. The minister noted that over 300 applications have been received and are slated for support. A key strategy involves transforming vacant properties into community-based homestays, thereby creating new avenues for tourism engagement and economic participation.

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When we invest in this infrastructure, we are building opportunities for small resorts, village stores, and young people in the north, and communities that have waited too long for their share of tourism benefits.