Fiji’s tourism earnings increased by 10.9 per cent to $2813.8 million in 2025.
In its March-end economic review released early this week, the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) said the earnings were driven by higher spending from key markets such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Continental Europe.
The central bank said although the average length of stay declined, this was more than offset by stronger average daily spending.
“Earnings from Asia and Pacific Island countries fell slightly, while the visiting-friends-and-relatives segment strengthened (53.2 per cent),” the RBF stated in its review.
The central bank alluded to the weakened momentum of global growth towards the end of February, attributed to the escalating conflict in the Middle East that had disrupted flighty routes, drove up insurance and shipping costs, and contributed to intensified cost pressures.
The RBF stated that against that challenging backdrop, Fiji’s tourism sector received 125,212 visitors in the first two months of this year – marking a 4.1 per cent increase (an additional 4935 visitors) relative to the same period in 2025.
It said that growth outcome was largely due to higher arrivals from Australia, Canada, China, the US< and the United Kingdom; while Pacific Island countries, Continental Europe and Japan noted a lower outcome.
“However, with global travel becoming more expensive and geopolitical risks still unfolding, this early-year momentum remains fragile as travellers in key markets grow more cautious,” the RBF stated.
The Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS) reported a provisional 54,219 visitor arrivals for February this year – a 9.6 per cent increase compared to a year earlier, but a decrease of 23.6 per cent over January this year, which recorded 70,993 arrivals.
In February, Australia accounted for 35.2 per cent of arrivals (19,094), New Zealand – 8511, Usa – 7757, China – 3679, Continental Europe – 2383, Canada – 1937 and 1152 from the UK.
Tourist infront of the Jack of Fiji outlet in Suva on Sunday, March 23 last year. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU/FILE
