The Fiji Government spent more than $2.6 million on official overseas travel by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, Assistant Ministers and former officeholders over a 16-month period, with Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka recording the highest expenditure.
Figures tabled in Parliament show that Mr Ditoka’s overseas travel cost taxpayers $212,733, followed by Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka at $170,980.77 and Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran at $167,548.27.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recorded expenditure of $141,849.20, placing him fourth on the list.
The figures were disclosed in response to Written Question 247/2026 by Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, who sought details of official overseas travel between May 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
According to the Government’s response, a total of 182 official overseas trips were undertaken during the period, excluding personal travel while on leave.
The individual expenditure totals listed in the response amount to $2,619,474.23.
Mr Ditoka’s travel included visits to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium, Cameroon, Malaysia, South Korea and other countries for diplomatic, trade and fuel security engagements.
Mr Gavoka’s expenditure included $61,513.92 for tourism-related engagements in Germany, $38,989.57 for an aviation meeting in Canada and $23,328.56 for a visit to Scotland for rugby matches.
Ms Kiran’s overseas engagements included inter-parliamentary meetings in Switzerland and Turkey, with the Government paying for business-class airfares and other travel-related expenses.
Other ministers recording expenditure exceeding $100,000 included Mosese Bulitavu, Esrom Immanuel, Jese Saukuru, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, Charan Jeath Singh, Lynda Tabuya and Tomasi Tunabuna.
Former ministers late Agni Deo Singh and Biman Prasad also recorded expenditure exceeding $100,000 during the reporting period.
The parliamentary response identified several visits where foreign governments and international organisations paid for airfares, accommodation, meals or other expenses.
The $2.62 million figure represents the expenditure totals reported as paid by the Fiji Government and excludes costs met directly by external sponsors.
Two officeholders, Minister Filimoni Vosarogo and Assistant Minister Jovesa Vocea, were listed as having undertaken no official overseas travel during the period.
