Tourism

Fiji’s renowned culture of hospitality and resourcefulness delivers exceptional value for investors. There are many examples of commercial success resulting from investment ventures by international partners.
The Tourism Industry in Fiji is largely regarded as an important driver for the Fijian economy. In 2019, approximately 894,389 visitors spent FJD $2.1 billion in Fiji across an estimated 1,200 businesses. The tourism sector employs approximately 119,000 Fijians and contributes above 40% of Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Growth in the industry is becoming more broad-based with increased benefits trickling down to the grassroots level, expanding eco-tourism and tourism related activities. With strong market demand and extensive Government support and Incentives, Fiji continues to attract the world’s best-known and best-loved brands in the tourism and hospitality industries - from global giants to independent and boutique names.

The industry offers a wide range of services and facilities to suit the needs of its markets, ranging from ecotourism to high-end tourism products. Since 2014, investor confidence levels have increased positively, contributing tremendously to where it is today. Fiji is known to have several critical competitive advantages in relation to tourism options and sustainable development, such as its warm tropical climate and rich cultural diversity The growth in international visitor arrivals anticipates a conforming increase in capacity requirements and demand for new products, facilities and services, thus paving the way for local and foreign investment opportunities. Fiji offers lucrative Hotel Industry incentives via the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority under the Income Tax(Hotel Incentives) Regulations 2016 with encouraging amendments and extensions in the recent budget announcement.

OPPORTUNITIES

  • Tourism Areas – areas such as Vanua Levu, Suncoast and outer islands have been identified as higher yielding by visitation. In efforts to complement Governments initiative to spread benefits across the country, these areas have also been declared tax free regions whereby companies can operate without being subject to income tax.  
  • Accommodation – gaps in the accommodation sector note the need for higher end accommodation types such as upscale boutiques and eco-friendly resorts. Additionally, whilst Fiji has shown its capacity to attract international chains, there is still a need to encourage more accommodation properties with state-of-the-art conference facilities to cater for the increase in MICE market.
  • Attractions/Tours – in order to enhance visitor experience, there is a need for necessary investment in tourist attractions such as Culture and Heritage. For example, Museums and cultural centres to serve as anchor attractions in highly dense tourism areas such as Nadi.
  • Activities – water and land based activities are common amongst tourists visiting Fiji. The provision of nature based activities particularly developing heritage sites have the potential of becoming popular tourist spots. Similar facilities can then be associated to trail networks and recreation segments such as hiking, trail walks and so forth.
  • Retail – investment in high end retail shopping that looks at the development and enhancement of Fijian Made products to ensure an immersive visitor experience.
  • Supporting Infrastructure - essential services and infrastructure is needed to be able to accommodate the increased demand and ensure all areas are accessible, especially outer islands. As such, opportunities exist in the development of interisland transfer boats, seaplanes, cruise/yacht terminals etc.
  • Sports Tourism -There are opportunities for sports infrastructure and facilities with nearby accommodation services.
  • Medical Tourism - Fiji offers opportunities in niche areas and operations such as dental services that are currently expensive in neighboring developed countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
  • Educational Tourism - Market demand can easily enable educational travel organizations to develop educational packages and trips.

Last Updated: August 2023