Fiji Tourism Convention Charts Path for Sustainable Growth

The Third Fiji Tourism Convention was held over two days at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Denarau Island, bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across the national tourism sector.

Hosted by the Fiji Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the national forum provided a platform to discuss strategic priorities, policy directions, sustainable development, investment opportunities, and digital transformation.

The two-day convention showcased government initiatives, private sector innovation, and community-based tourism success stories. It also highlighted regional collaboration efforts, while encouraging open dialogue on strengthening Fiji’s tourism competitiveness and resilience.

Key objectives of the convention included:

• Shaping national tourism policy and long-term planning.
• Strengthening cross-sector collaboration and community engagement.
• Addressing industry challenges such as labour shortages, infrastructure gaps, and investment delays.
• Ensuring tourism benefits are widely shared in line with the National Sustainable Tourism Framework (2024–2034).
• Expanding tourism beyond traditional coastal hubs to embrace social, geographic, and economic diversity.

Fiji Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, delivered the keynote address. He reported that Fiji welcomed 986,367 visitors in 2025, surpassing the 2023 record of 929,740. In addition, 57,420 cruise passengers arrived in the first three quarters of 2025, reinforcing tourism’s strong contribution to economic growth.

Placing Fiji’s performance in a global context, Gavoka noted that international tourism reached 1.52 billion arrivals in 2025, underscoring the need for Fiji to remain competitive while ensuring growth is sustainable and inclusive.

The two-day convention featured official openings and dialogue by national leaders, alongside panel discussions on emerging trends, policy priorities, and sustainable development. Stakeholders from government, industry, and communities engaged in networking sessions, while resolutions were adopted to strengthen data systems, promote inclusive decision-making, and improve legal and regulatory frameworks. Dialogue throughout the event also informed future reforms, including forthcoming Civil Aviation and commercial marine use bills, underscoring the convention’s role in shaping Fiji’s tourism policy and practice.

The Third Fiji Tourism Convention reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to building a tourism sector that is innovative, resilient, and inclusive. By promoting collaboration and forward-looking strategies, the convention set the stage for a decade of transformative progress, ensuring that tourism continues to drive economic growth while benefiting communities across the nation.

ENDS.

Source: Fiji Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviationa

Photo Credit: Islands Business