Fiji’s tourism industry has set a national target of attracting 1.25 million visitors to our shores and generate revenue earnings of $4 billion next year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka revealed this during the opening of the AHICE Fiji Investment in Tourism Summit 2026 in Nadi.
“To get there, we need an estimated 4000 new hotel rooms and we need them built now,” Mr Gavoka said.
“We currently have 53 tourism investment projects in our pipeline, with a combined value of $3.1 billion.”
Mr Gavoka said projects already in active progress included the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa Vatu Talei development, the Crowne Plaza expansion at Wailoaloa in Nadi, the Radisson Mirage Resort on Naisoso Island, and major works on Koro Island.
“We are also seeing exactly the calibre of global interest that tells you Fiji is a serious investment destination.
“The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is exploring private island acquisitions here. Kerzner International is planning a world-class six-star resort in the Yasawas.
“These are real conversations, with real capital, pointed at real opportunity. And the opportunity extends far beyond traditional hotel rooms.”
Mr Gavoka said the Government was also actively seeking investment in eco-lodges, MICE facilities, transit hotels, sports tourism infrastructure, medical tourism, and retirement villages catering to international retirees and the Fiji diaspora.
“There is no ceiling on what this sector can become.
“For a long time, Fiji’s tourism laws had not been updated since 1973. The world changed entirely, and our legislation had not kept pace.”
Mr Gavoka told investors that parliament had just recently passed the Tourism Bill 2026.
“The most significant reform of our tourism framework in over half a century.
‘”It creates a National Tourism Council to guide policy and a Tourism Fund to support infrastructure and local operators.
“It gives investors the clear rules and legal certainty they need to commit capital with confidence.”
