1,500 new rooms under construction to address room shortage in tourism sector – Gavoka

As Fiji faces a shortage of rooms in the tourism sector, between this year and the next, there will be about 1,500 new rooms under construction, while another 2,000 rooms are in pre-development stages.

This has been confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka while responding to the President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s opening speech in Parliament.

Gavoka says in 2024, Fiji approached the remarkable milestone of 1 million visitors, and if visitors via the cruise lines were included, the numbers were greater than 1 million visitors.

He says the success was bolstered by the introduction of additional flights, major international events, and renewed investor confidence driving development demand in Fiji.

To address the rooms supply issue, the Deputy Prime Minister says whether they are five-star brands, smaller boutiques, or community-based accommodations, Fiji needs domestic and foreign investments to address this critical need.

Gavoka further says that tourism contributes significantly to Fiji’s economy, accounting for 40 percent of GDP, and employing 150,000 Fijians directly and indirectly, tourism is largely centred in only four provinces out of Fiji's 14 provinces.

He says the government is determined to address this imbalance to ensure that every community shares in the prosperity that tourism brings.

Gavoka says through initiatives like the NaVualiku Program, which focuses on sustainable tourism development at the local level, and the expansion of community-based tourism projects, they aim to ensure that all provinces benefit equitably from tourism.

While responding to comments by the Opposition that the Government’s policies are divisive and people are divided because of these policies, Gavoka says the Coalition Government does not care what community people belong to.