In September 2024, a total of 16,122 residents left Fiji, as reported by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS). A significant majority, 14,864 individuals (92.2%), departed for short-term stays of less than three months. Additionally, 451 residents (2.8%) were recorded as leaving for periods greater than three months but less than one year, while 807 residents (5.0%) departed for long-term absences of one year or more.
Among those leaving for short-term reasons, the motivations varied: 54.1% cited holiday trips, 35.0% were visiting friends or family, 5.5% were traveling for business, and 2.0% were pursuing education or training. A small fraction, 1.4%, left Fiji to seek employment abroad, with lengths of stay ranging from three months to five years.
On the other hand, provisional statistics indicate that Fiji welcomed a record 92,591 visitors in September 2024, marking a 2.4% increase compared to the same month of the previous year, although there was a slight decrease from August 2024’s total of 94,787 visitors. Of the total arrivals, most visitors—91,679—traveled by air, with 912 arriving by sea, primarily made up of seamen and yacht visitors. A substantial majority of these visitors, 81.6%, were on holiday, while 8.0% came to see friends or relatives, and 2.0% for business.
This data reflects a dynamic travel pattern, as many locals are exploring global opportunities while simultaneously attracting a growing number of tourists, highlighting Fiji’s role as both a sender and receiver in the global movement of people.
In a hopeful light, these statistics show the resilience and adaptability of Fijian residents and the nation’s tourism sector, indicating a recovery and growth potential in both domestic and international travel. As the world reopens and travel becomes more accessible, Fiji stands poised to benefit from these exchanges, reinforcing its position as a coveted tourist destination.
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