Fiji experienced its highest-ever visitor arrivals in September, totaling 92,591, as reported by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics. This figure represents a 2.4 percent increase from September 2022 and exceeds pre-pandemic numbers, showing a 13.8 percent rise compared to September 2019.
However, this number reflects a slight decline compared to August 2024, which recorded 94,787 arrivals. Australia remained the largest source of visitors, contributing nearly half of the total arrivals (47.8%) with 44,254 tourists. New Zealand ranked second with 22,625 visitors (24.4%), followed by the United States, which brought in 7,923 visitors (8.6%). Other regions, including China, Continental Europe, Canada, and the UK, collectively accounted for 8.1 percent of the visitor market.
The majority of tourists visited Fiji for leisure, as 81.6 percent came for holiday purposes, while 8 percent traveled to see friends or relatives. Business travelers made up just 2 percent, and the remaining 8.4 percent had other reasons for their visit.
In terms of demographics, most visitors were aged between 25 and 64, representing 64.2 percent of arrivals. Children under 14 made up 16.4 percent, while those aged 65 and older accounted for 10.3 percent. Young adults aged 15-24 comprised 9.1 percent of the total. Notably, gender differences emerged in certain age groups, with more women than men visiting in categories such as ages 20-24 and 25-29.
On the flip side, 16,122 Fijian residents departed the country in September. A significant majority (92.2 percent) left for short-term stays of less than three months, mainly for holidays (54.1 percent) or to visit friends and family (35 percent). A smaller group (5 percent) departed for long-term absences of one year or more, primarily for employment, education, or emigration.