The George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso Homecoming Concert that took place in Nadi over the weekend has had a substantial positive impact on the local economy, energizing businesses and filling hotels to capacity. The event welcomed thousands of local and international visitors, marking it as one of the busiest weekends in the town’s history. This was not just a festive occasion, but also an economic boon for the region.
The Nadi Chamber of Commerce President, Lawrence Kumar, described the concert as an economic lifeline for the area, helping businesses recover and giving hope to entrepreneurs. Even after the long weekend, the town continued to experience high levels of movement and business activity. Local taxi drivers, shop attendants, and vendors reported increased sales and extended hours of operation due to the surge in foot traffic from event attendees.
The concert featured a diverse lineup of artists, including international names like J Boog, Josh Tatofi, and Maoli, alongside the main act, George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso. Saliceni Raiwalui, chairperson of the Nadi Town Council, expressed his amazement at the size of the crowd and recognized the event as one of the largest ever hosted in Nadi. He praised its contribution to the growth of local businesses and highlighted the satisfaction of hotels, businesses, and taxi services during the event.
Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill acknowledged the concert as a significant driver for tourism during an already busy month. He emphasized the potential of musical events to attract tourists and drive economic growth, akin to sports and adventure tourism. Local artist Laisa Vulakoro, known as the Vude Queen, also attended and admired the concert’s impressive production.
The local government was well-represented with attendees like Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Minister for Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu. Stakeholders see this event as a demonstration of Fiji’s potential to host large-scale events successfully, enhancing its profile as a vibrant cultural destination and economic hub. The concert not only celebrated music but acted as a bridge between culture and commerce, setting a positive precedent for future events in Fiji.
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