Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka announced that over 640,274 visitors arrived in Fiji during the first eight months of this year. At the Fiji Tourism Convention 2024, he noted that visitor numbers for July and August have already exceeded the targeted average of 90,000, helping the nation move closer to its goal of welcoming over 1 million tourists.
Gavoka expressed confidence that through ongoing marketing efforts, increased air connectivity, infrastructure improvements, and a commitment to sustainable tourism, Fiji would meet and possibly exceed this target. To facilitate these aims, the government has established policies and frameworks tailored to achieving Fiji’s visitor goals.
He remarked that Fiji has traditionally not embraced an open skies policy due to the limited air traffic in the South Pacific, where routes are sparse and challenging. However, he acknowledged the changing landscape in aviation and the global movement towards liberalizing air traffic rights.
“The government is proactively reviewing Fiji’s Aviation Policy, and we are now contemplating Open Skies agreements on a case-by-case basis, making these decisions gradually while keeping national interests in mind,” he stated.
Gavoka emphasized that while the government’s role is to create an enabling environment, collaboration with the private sector will be essential in advancing the tourism industry. He concluded by stating that this is an opportunity for Fiji to demonstrate its identity not just as a travel destination but also as a symbol of hope, sustainability, and resilience.