The draft Tourism Bill 2026 places strong emphasis on environmental protection and climate resilience, requiring stricter safeguards for tourism development across Fiji.
Under the proposed law, no tourism project can proceed without an approved Environmental Impact Assessment, reinforcing compliance with existing environmental regulations.
The Bill also mandates that all tourism infrastructure be designed and maintained to withstand climate-related hazards, in consultation with climate change and infrastructure authorities.
Additional protections are outlined for activities near marine protected areas, heritage sites and culturally sensitive locations. Operators will be required to follow legislation, guidelines and best practices to minimise environmental impact.
The Ministry will also have the power to impose conditions or establish buffer zones restricting development in sensitive areas.
For marine and nature-based tourism, the Bill sets clear expectations to protect ecosystems, respect traditional fishing grounds and support conservation efforts.
Consultations on the Bill starts today in Suva.
