THE Coalition Government remains certain and believes in the national economy, says the managing director of the Rosie Travel Group and Ahura Resorts, Tony Whitton.
Following the headline data revealed in the 2025-2026 National Budget in Parliament yesterday, Mr Whitton said “we live in very uncertain times”.
“Growth forecast for this year is 3.2 per cent and to achieve this, economic stimulus is essential, and this is what this budget presents,” he said.
“The tourism industry thrives when the economy is growing.
“The increase in budget expenditure from $4.5billion to $4.8billion in 2025/2026 with a deliberate strategy to tackle the cost of living and improve tourism package competitiveness has some very positive on-flows to the tourism industry.”
Reflecting on the positive outcomes, Mr Whitton said more than 50,000 people work directly and indirectly in the tourism industry. “It is a 24-hour industry, and they work very hard. Come August 1, a grocery basket of $200 will now have more food items to support families.
“The reduction of VAT from 15 per cent to 12.5 per cent and the zero-duty rating on fresh fruits and vegetables, tin products and meats not available in the domestic market bring much welcomed cost of living relief to workers all over the country.
“The second positive on-flow of this budget is, come August 1 we will be reducing all our accommodation, food and beverage pricing at Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Malolo Island Resort, Rosie Holidays transfers and tour packages by 2.5 per cent.
“We will pass all these savings to our international visitors that we hope will stimulate growth.
“Our companies service over 250,000 international visitors who buy holiday packages from our brands. We work in such a competitive market fighting for business against Asia, Maldives, and other South Pacific destinations. Our visitor arrivals this year for the first four months is down 3 per cent over last year.
“These discounts will make a holiday in Fiji more attractive and stimulate growth.
“The third positive is the continued support to Tourism Fiji marketing, advertising, and operations budget. The increase in this grant from $44million to $48million is essential as we pitch to our key markets on social media, television and present the warmth and beauty of our people, our culture, and our environment.
“This investment is not wasted as the fund is also spent in partnerships with our national airline in the markets of Australia, New Zealand, China, North America and Europe.”
Yesterday, Finance Minister Biman Prasad announced a total budget of $93million for the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, more than double from two years ago. He said Tourism Fiji had been provided an increased budget of $48million for marketing and its operations while a sum of $30million has been allocated for the 10-year $400m Vanua Levu Na Vualiku tourism development project.
