The Fiji Tourism Exchange (FTE) 2026 officially opened yesterday at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort in Denarau, bringing together more than 500 international industry partners and local stakeholders for two days of networking and deal-making aimed at recalibrating the country’s tourism sector. Organisers say the Exchange remains the industry’s premier commercial platform for forging international partnerships, showcasing Fiji’s product diversity and delivering measurable trade outcomes.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka stressed that tourism’s value extends well beyond arrival numbers. “It is about people, communities and shared opportunity,” Gavoka said, urging the sector to focus on sustainable, inclusive growth that empowers local communities, expands connectivity and spreads benefits across Fiji’s regions. He described FTE as a vital forum that brings “global buyers, sellers and media” together to experience Fiji’s authenticity and deepen commercial ties.
Tourism Fiji chief executive Dr Paresh Pant framed this year’s Exchange as a turning point: the sector has moved from post-pandemic recovery into a phase of recalibration. Dr Pant said FTE provides a concentrated environment for operators, trade partners and airlines to strengthen relationships, close deals and align plans for disciplined growth amid increasing global competition. “FTE remains our premier platform to strengthen partnerships, create real commercial opportunities and align our efforts for disciplined growth,” he said.
The gathering comes as turbulence in global aviation and fuel markets adds urgency to industry planning. Organisers noted the unfolding conflict in West Asia has pushed up jet fuel prices and disrupted supply chains, factors that threaten global travel demand. In response, the tourism industry has reactivated the Tourism Action Group (TAG) — a crisis management body that coordinated industry action during COVID-19. TAG chair Damend Gounder said the group’s current focus is on preparedness and close government-industry coordination to maintain visitor confidence and protect demand amid evolving uncertainties.
Attendance figures underline the event’s commercial scale: organisers recorded participation from 122 international buyers and media representatives representing 16 countries, alongside 82 exhibiting companies. More than 3,300 pre-scheduled appointments were arranged, signalling a busy two-day programme of one-on-one meetings, product showcases and trade discussions designed to convert interest into bookings and longer-term partnerships.
FTE 2026’s organisers emphasised immediate business outcomes as well as strategic positioning. By concentrating buyers, sellers, airlines and promotional partners in one venue, the Exchange aims to accelerate negotiations on air connectivity, tour packaging and marketing campaigns that can help Fiji remain competitive in key source markets. With global conditions shifting, the event is being positioned as both a marketplace and a planning hub to safeguard tourism’s economic contribution and ensure benefits continue to reach Fijian communities.
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