Fiji’s yachting industry recorded its strongest performance in 16 years in 2025, contributing a record $57.4 million to the national economy as superyacht arrivals and charter activity continued to rise.
According to the latest Fiji International Yachting Visitors Survey, total direct yachting expenditure reached $51.9 million in 2025, representing a 14 per cent increase from 2024 figures.
The total economic contribution of $57.4m was also about 23 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019.
Port Denarau Marina chief executive officer and Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association Yachting and Maritime Subcommittee chair Cynthia Rasch said the figures reflected the increasing importance of yachting and superyacht tourism to Fiji’s visitor economy.
“These vessels support marinas, fuel suppliers, transport providers, local markets, provisioning businesses, restaurants, hotels, domestic aviation, marine trades and outer island communities,” Ms Rasch said.
“The value reaches well beyond the marina itself.”
The survey showed Fiji welcomed 62 superyachts in 2025, the highest number since 2019, while the average length of stay increased significantly from 56 days in 2024 to 160 days this year.
Total superyacht spending reached a record FJ$18.75m, about 49 per cent above 2019 levels.
Average spending per superyacht remained strong at approximately FJ$250,000 per vessel.
Ms Rasch said the industry’s focus was not only on increasing vessel arrivals but encouraging yachts to stay longer and spend more within local communities.
“The real opportunity is not only in attracting more vessels, but in encouraging them to stay longer and spend more locally,” she said.
She said extended stays generated benefits across multiple sectors, including provisioning, repairs, transport, tourism activities and domestic travel.
The charter sector also experienced major growth following regulatory reforms and market expansion efforts.
Verified charter revenue rose sharply from FJ$246,000 in 2023 to FJ$2.99m in 2025 — an increase of more than 1,100 per cent.
The 2025 survey recorded eight charter vessels operating a combined 241 charter days.
Ms Rasch said Fiji was well positioned as a high-value, low-volume tourism destination because of its natural cruising grounds, island hospitality and cultural warmth.
The wider yachting sector is now forecast to surpass FJ$65m in total economic contribution by the end of 2026.
