Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka announced that the World Surf League Corona Fiji Pro competition generated over $255,000 in media value for Tourism Fiji, along with 2,300 public relations mentions and more than $50.4 million in global advertising value equivalency across 36 countries. He provided this update during a parliamentary session this week.
Gavoka highlighted that the extensive media coverage, including live broadcasts and media engagement, not only promoted the event but also showcased Fiji’s natural beauty and exceptional surfing talent to millions of viewers around the globe. He noted that the event received backing from major global brands like Corona, Red Bull, Yeti, Shiseido, and Apple Watch, which helped enhance the Fijian brand.
“The exposure is invaluable for our tourism sector,” he stated. Besides the international media attention, the competition also had a positive impact on local communities. The World Surf League reconstructed the Cloudbreak surf tower, which was damaged during Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020 and had been in operation since the mid-1990s. This structure is now being presented to Tabanivono-i-Wai as a legacy asset that can be rented for future events.
Additionally, Gavoka acknowledged the financial contributions made to the Nabila and Momi villages. He described how the event supported the Fiji Surfing Association and the local surfing community by implementing a three-day women’s development program and a water safety initiative. A local surfer also earned a place in the Fiji Pro Event as a wildcard, along with financial donations and equipment for the Fiji Surfing Association.