The Asia-Pacific Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) Fiji Investment in Tourism Summit is set to welcome over 300 delegates when it begins next week in Nadi. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka expressed optimism in an interview with The Fiji Times, stating that the return of AHICE signifies growing investor confidence in Fiji, which has been on the rise over the past two years.
Gavoka highlighted that Fiji is currently a very appealing destination for investment, citing the high earnings potential and favorable conditions for investors. “Fiji right now is very hot; people want to come to Fiji to invest,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of tourism as a crucial economic driver for the country. He remarked that the country’s tourism sector has demonstrated resilience and recovery, with record visitor arrivals, contributing significantly to the economy.
The three-day summit, hosted by HM Magazine and co-hosted by Investment Fiji and Tourism Fiji, will be held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa from June 24 to June 26. The exclusive launch event of the summit took place in December 2023, gathering nearly 100 hotel owners, operators, and industry leaders from Fiji and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Following that, the event’s return in July 2024 saw participation nearly triple, showcasing the growing interest in Fiji’s tourism potential and investment opportunities.
Recent reports from JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) further support Gavoka’s sentiments, indicating that Fiji’s hotel and tourism markets have seen remarkable growth and are poised for continued investment activity. The report suggests strategic incentives from the government, such as tax holidays for substantial investments in hotel renovations, are also encouraging new developments.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance Fiji’s tourism infrastructure, the government aims to attract even more visitors, with a target of over one million in the current year, surpassing last year’s records. Investment in new hotels and increased flight capacities are crucial aspects of this growth plan, ensuring Fiji remains an attractive destination for travelers and investors alike.
This upbeat vision for the future of Fiji’s tourism sector reflects not only the potential for economic growth but also the commitment to sustainable development and enhanced visitor experiences while preserving the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Overall, the upcoming AHICE summit embodies a hopeful outlook for tourism and investment in Fiji, reaffirming the nation’s status as a premier destination in the Asia-Pacific region.
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