Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak extended through 2029 as World Surf League partnership deepens
The Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak is set to become a long-term staple on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, with Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka announcing an extension that will keep the event in Fiji through 2029. The government has expanded the existing three-year agreement (through 2026) by another three years, ensuring Cloudbreak remains part of the World Surf League calendar for years to come.
Gavoka stressed that hosting the Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak places Fiji in the global spotlight, giving the world a showcase of the country’s landscapes and world-class surfing. He highlighted that the arrangement reaffirms Fiji’s commitment to opportunity, community, and the nation’s future.
This extension follows the successful return of the Fiji Pro last year, which Gavoka described as delivering extraordinary results and “millions in media value,” helping to put Fiji—and its people—on the global map.
Context from recent Fiji Pro activity shows the scale and impact of the event. The 2024 competition brought 36 surfers from 12 countries to Cloudbreak, including 12 women and 24 men, with a local wildcard entry and strong support from the Fiji Surfing Association. The event drew significant international attention and sponsorship from major brands such as Corona, Red Bull, Yeti, Shiseido, and Apple Watch.
Parliamentary updates on the event have consistently highlighted its broader benefits. The Fiji Pro generated substantial media value and public relations activity, with figures indicating more than $255,000 in media value for Tourism Fiji, about 2,300 global PR mentions, and an advertising value equivalent exceeding $50.4 million across 36 countries. This exposure has helped promote Fiji’s natural beauty and surfing talent to millions of viewers worldwide, while also boosting local communities through infrastructure and community programs.
The WSL-industry collaboration has included tangible legacies for Cloudbreak. The World Surf League rebuilt the Cloudbreak surf tower, damaged in Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020, and it is being presented as a legacy asset to Tabanivono-i-Wai with rental opportunities for future events. The event has also supported local villages like Nabila and Momi, invested in the Fiji Surfing Association, and funded programs such as a three-day women’s development initiative and a water safety project. A local surfer’s wildcard entry and related donations further underscored the community benefits of the partnership.
Looking ahead, the extended agreement ensures Fiji will continue to leverage high-profile international competition to attract visitors, investment, and notoriety for years to come, while maintaining a focus on local capacity-building and tourism-driven growth.
Summary: Fiji formalizes a long-term plan to keep the World Surf League Corona Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak through 2029, extending the partnership after a successful past season. The move reinforces Fiji’s status as a premier surfing destination, highlights substantial media reach and economic benefits, and continues to deliver direct support to local communities and surfing organizations.
Commentary: This renewal aligns with Fiji’s broader strategy to diversify tourism through flagship sports events, maximizing global exposure while delivering tangible local benefits. If maintained, the partnership could spur ongoing infrastructure improvements, youth development in surfing, and sustained economic activity around Cloudbreak and surrounding communities.
Potential positives: stronger international branding for Fiji, steady tourism revenue, and ongoing community programs. Potential considerations: ensuring sustainable event management and continued support for grassroots surfing initiatives as the event scales through 2029.
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