The increased funding for Tourism Fiji has been warmly welcomed by the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association saying this will enhance international marketing efforts—an increasingly vital investment amid intensifying global competition.
In a statement, the FHTA says it is vital that efforts to boost productivity, attract investment, and encourage innovation are accelerated to ensure the long-term viability of the budget’s social support and development commitments.
Following the announcement of the 2025/2026 National Budget Announcement which saw the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation being allocated a total budget of $93 million, and Tourism Fiji getting an increased budget of $48 million, the FHTA says they are particularly impressed with the reviewed focus on infrastructure development, education, and health services.
They say this is because FHTA was one of many private sector organisations highlighting the need for more focused budgeting, planning and delivery in these critical areas.
They further say that while the reduction in VAT will undoubtedly be welcomed by many, the resulting significant decline in government revenue must be strategically counterbalanced by coordinated, whole-of-government support to ensure that development initiatives, efforts to diversify the economy, and the creation of new business opportunities proceed with urgency and purpose.
The FHTA says the budget reaffirms the Government’s focus on building a resilient and inclusive economy, however, with a notable reduction in revenue streams, sustaining this vision will require an even stronger emphasis on stimulating economic growth.
They say the budget also introduces targeted measures to ease the cost of living, improve access to affordable housing, and strengthen the delivery of essential services such as roads and water systems.
