IT is encouraging to learn that a multi-billion-dollar investment pipeline involving 57 projects across Fiji is expected to deliver more than 5600 new hotel rooms. That is a significant boost for the national economy, with the potential to create jobs and stimulate business activity.
The wider impact could be just as positive.
Construction, furnishing, equipment supplies, agriculture and other connected industries stand to benefit, opening doors for local businesses and workers.
We say, the challenge is to ensure these opportunities translate into tangible benefits for our people.
From the outset, the figures make encouraging reading and offer a positive indication of the direction we are taking as a nation.
But progress, we say, must be measured by the number of rooms being built, and by the opportunities created for communities and businesses along the way.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka revealed the figures while opening the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association’s HOTEC 2026 tradeshow in Nadi this week.
Mr Gavoka said Investment Fiji was monitoring 57 tourism projects nationwide, representing approximately 5600 additional rooms and an estimated value of $2.1billion. Nineteen projects, accounting for 1460 rooms, were already under construction. Nadi was home to 19 of the 57 projects.
And in saying that, tourism operators and developers have been encouraged to make greater use of regional supply chains to build, furnish, equip and supply the new properties. In the face of this, local businesses must be positioned to share in the opportunities ahead.
Mr Gavoka highlighted the potential for exhibitors and suppliers at HOTEC to connect with developers and operators seeking products and services for their upcoming properties. He also stressed that sourcing goods from Fiji and regional partners, including New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia, could reduce transport-related emissions while keeping more tourism expenditure within local communities. Supporting farmers and small suppliers, he said, would strengthen the economic benefits of tourism.
The two-day industry tradeshow at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa attracted commercial exhibitors from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Canada, Japan and the United States.
Mr Gavoka described the annual gathering as an important marketplace for the hospitality industry.
This is a promising outlook, but development must extend beyond established tourism centres. So, while we are at it, let us also embrace opportunities in the Northern Division, including continued upgrades to Labasa Airport and improved connectivity for Savusavu and Taveuni. Vanua Levu has a lot of potential to attract more visitors, encourage business activity and growth, and strengthen its domestic economy.
Let’s approach tourism development holistically, ensuring better infrastructure, stronger local enterprise and meaningful employment. The real measure of success will be whether these projects improve livelihoods across Fiji. It is great to have positive news though!
