THE tourism sector is expected to reach $4 billion in tourism earnings by 2027, alongside an increase in visitor arrivals to 1.25 million.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka shared this during an event on Wednesday night where Warwick Hotels and Resorts announced it was to opening its capital base to Fijian investors.
Mr Rabuka said achieving the earnings target would require continued investment in tourism, including developments by investors such as Warwick Hotels and Resorts, and an increase of about 4000 hotel rooms across Fiji.
“The timing of these developments couldn’t be better,” he said.
Mr Rabuka said new tourism developments would create opportunities beyond hotel construction, including employment, careers for young people and business opportunities for farmers, fishermen, transport operators, tradespeople and small businesses.
He said Fiji welcomed a record 986,367 visitors last year, but the achievement also placed greater responsibility on the country to continue investing in accommodation, infrastructure, aviation, service standards and its people.
“We must keep improving while protecting what makes our country special and our growth must be sustainable and must benefit our communities.”
Mr Rabuka said Fiji also needed to remain competitive as other destinations continued to invest in their tourism sectors.
He said Warwick’s decision to continue investing in Fiji reflected confidence in the country, its stability, workers and spirit.
“For our future, governments task is keep earning confidence in the tourism sector, through sound policies, good infrastructure, and a business environment that is efficient and responsive.”
