Tourism development in Fiji’s outer islands and upscale resorts is facing challenges primarily due to delays in aviation infrastructure and regulatory processes. Fantasha Lockington, President of the Fiji Tourism Association, highlighted that licensing holdups are leading to a shortage of helicopters available for resorts located on remote islands.
“It’s sometimes putting the cart before the horse,” Lockington expressed, emphasizing that tourism growth is being stifled by infrastructure that cannot keep pace with demand. She raised concerns about the capacity of the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) to efficiently register and certify necessary aviation facilities such as resort helipads, private island airstrips, and temporary landing zones.
In defense of the current framework, Theresa Levestam, Chief Executive of CAAF, reiterated that aviation safety remains the paramount concern. She warned that a singular incident could have devastating effects on the tourism sector, stating, “You just take one accident, and that’s it.” Levestam explained that the existing legislation empowers the Minister to create regulations and allows CAAF to establish technical rules to facilitate the smooth operation of aerodromes while considering Fiji’s unique context.
In light of these challenges, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, acknowledged the need for improvement. He stated that enhancing connectivity remains a key priority for the government, indicating a commitment to addressing the logistical barriers hampering the growth of tourism in Fiji’s outer regions.
The focus on improving aviation infrastructure could ultimately lead to a flourishing tourism industry, unlocking the potential of Fiji’s stunning outer islands and high-end resorts for visitors around the globe.
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