The Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a draft Tourism Bill 2026 that would create a National Tourism Council to advise the minister and steer policy, strategy and development across Fiji’s tourism sector. The proposal, released by the ministry today, is being presented as a move to strengthen coordination between government agencies, industry and civil society and to embed sustainability into sector decision-making.
Under the draft Bill, the council would be chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and bring together representatives from key agencies including Tourism Fiji and Investment Fiji, the ministries responsible for environment and climate change, and the iTaukei Land Trust Board. Industry representatives, civil society groups and members of academia are also listed as prospective members, reflecting an intent to combine public-sector oversight with private-sector and community input.
The Bill sets out a range of functions for the National Tourism Council. These include advising on national tourism policy and strategy, reviewing destination management plans, recommending investment priorities, and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders. Membership terms are proposed to run for up to three years, with members eligible for reappointment, signalling an intention to balance continuity with periodic renewal of expertise.
Public consultations on the draft legislation begin tomorrow in Suva and will move to Sigatoka, Nadi, Rakiraki, Labasa and Savusavu in the days that follow. The Ministry of Tourism is encouraging stakeholders and members of the public to take part in the consultation process, saying the Bill is designed to “strengthen governance and ensure sustainable growth” in Fiji’s tourism industry.
The timing of the draft Bill comes as calls grow for tighter policy coordination and investment to support tourism’s recovery. Economists and industry observers have warned in recent months that tourism growth has slowed and that targeted public and private investment will be crucial to renew momentum. By bringing environment and climate change ministries and the iTaukei Land Trust Board into a formal advisory body, the draft signals a recognition that land access, climate resilience and environmental management must be central to future tourism planning.
Local destination management planning — explicitly named as a council task — could have direct implications for communities and businesses in tourism hubs such as Nadi and Savusavu, where infrastructure, land tenure and environmental pressures intersect. The inclusion of civil society and academic voices in the proposed council aims to broaden the expertise available to government, though the practical balance between development promotion and environmental protection will be a point of interest during consultations.
The consultation schedule marks the next public phase in what the ministry has framed as an effort to modernise sector governance. Details on how submissions will be considered or a timeline for the Bill’s passage through Parliament have not been released; ministry officials have urged participants to use the consultation process to shape the final legislation.