Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, announced that over 640,000 visitors traveled to the country in the first eight months of this year. Speaking at the Fiji Tourism Convention 2024, he highlighted that the visitor numbers for July and August have exceeded the targeted average of 90,000, contributing to Fiji’s goal of attracting over 1 million visitors.
Gavoka expressed confidence that through ongoing efforts in marketing, expansion of air connectivity, infrastructure development, and a strong commitment to sustainable tourism practices, Fiji will meet and potentially surpass this target.
To achieve this goal, the government has established policies and frameworks aimed at supporting Fiji’s tourism aspirations. Historically, Fiji has not embraced an open skies policy, as air traffic in the South Pacific has been limited, with long and underutilized routes. However, Gavoka acknowledged the changing dynamics in aviation and the global trend toward liberalizing air traffic rights.
“The Government has taken a bold move in reviewing Fiji’s Aviation Policy. We are now considering Open Skies on a case-by-case basis, and we are doing so gradually, guided by national interests,” he stated.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that while the government’s role is to create a favorable environment, collaboration with the private sector is essential for driving the tourism industry forward. He concluded by remarking that this presents an opportunity for Fiji to be recognized not only as a tourism destination but also as a symbol of hope, sustainability, and resilience.