Fiji marked 5.7% increase in terms of welcoming visitors last year – Gavoka

Fiji marked a 5.7 percent increase last year from the previous year in terms of welcoming visitors into the country which is a testament to the resilience and appeal of Fiji as a world-class destination.

This was highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka while officiating at the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2024.

Gavoka says tourism is the lifeblood of our nation, the cornerstone of our economy, a source of livelihood for thousands of Fijians, and a bridge that connects our beautiful islands to the world.

Gavoka adds according to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Fiji welcomed 982,938 visitors by air last year.

He says while the Bureau of Statistics does not currently include cruise ship arrivals in its official tally, additional data indicates an estimated 81,854 tourist arrivals on cruise ships last year.

He adds this brings Fiji closer than ever to achieving the ambitious targets, reflecting the hard work and the collective efforts of our industry to rebuild, innovate, and thrive.

Gavoka highlighted that in 2022, Fiji recorded 636,312 visitor arrivals before it grew to 929,740 in 2023, marking a 46.1 percent increase.

The Deputy PM says these numbers are not just statistics, but they are a testament to the growing confidence that travellers around the world have in Fiji as a premier destination.

Gavoka further says that the tourism industry contributes a staggering 40 percent to Fiji’s GDP, making it the largest economic sector in Fiji.

He says it provides direct and indirect employment to over 150,000 Fijians, meaning nearly 1 in 3 jobs is linked to tourism.

Gavoka says from the bustling markets of Suva to the serene resorts of the Mamanuca, tourism creates opportunities, drives innovation, and fosters growth across every corner of our islands.

Gavoka adds the economic value of tourism is not just measured in dollars, but is measured in the smiles of our people, the success of our businesses, and the vibrancy of our communities.