Nadi was buzzing with excitement over the weekend as thousands of Fijians and international visitors gathered at King Charles Park for the George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso Homecoming concert on Saturday and Sunday nights.
Hotels and accommodations in the greater Nadi area reported full occupancy, marking the weekend as one of the busiest in the town’s history, according to local business owners.
The concert featured a mix of local and international artists including J Boog, Josh Tatofi, Maoli, and George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso himself.
Saliceni Raiwalui, chairperson of the Nadi Town Council, expressed that this was one of the largest events ever hosted in the town. He shared his gratitude for Nadi being chosen for such a significant occasion.
“I am 75 years old now and I have never seen a crowd like this at the homecoming concert,” Mr. Raiwalui remarked. “It was incredible to witness everything that happened at Prince Charles Park. Businesses were pleased, taxi drivers were satisfied, and hotels and resorts were fully booked; it was wonderful to see this during the long weekend.”
Mr. Raiwalui added that the Nadi Town Council appreciates how this event contributed to the growth of local businesses.
Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, noted that September typically sees high tourist activity, and the homecoming concert further enhanced this peak season.
“The event certainly generated flights and hotel bookings, which is fantastic to see,” Mr. Hill stated. “We would love to continue collaborating with music promoters to bring more music events to Fiji, as they can significantly attract tourists. This concert was a tremendous success for Fiji, demonstrating that music tourism can be a powerful driver, alongside sports and adventure.”
Vude Queen Laisa Vulakoro, one of the local artists in attendance, described her experience as unforgettable.
“Everything was just amazing,” she said. “They provided my dream stage and sound. It was truly spectacular.”
Among the attendees were Cabinet Ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu.