FIJI’s hospitality sector is outshining regional heavyweights like Thailand and French Polynesia.
This is according to Bing Han Kee, Vice President of Sales for Asia-Pacific at ForwardKeys, the world’s leading travel technology company.
Speaking at the Third Fiji Tourism Convention, Han Kee shared exclusive data showing that Fijian hotels have averaged an impressive 81% occupancy over the past year, placing the island nation firmly at the top among its competitors.
“Throughout the past 12 months, Fiji maintained an average occupancy of 81%. This is very good, and it means that over one year, hotels have consistently operated at high capacity,” Han Kee said.
He noted that during peak periods, occupancy rates often exceeded 90%, leaving just a small margin of unfilled rooms.
In comparison, both Thailand and French Polynesia experienced lower occupancy rates, with French Polynesia in particular struggling to meet demand during busy seasons due to a shortage of available rooms.
Han Kee attributed Fiji’s success to a well-balanced mix of traveler profiles and proactive management of supply and demand.
“Fiji is quite well-balanced, attracting couples, families, solo travelers, and larger groups, especially from Australia and New Zealand. This diversity has helped stabilize occupancy throughout the year,” he explained.
ForwardKeys’ data also highlights strong air connectivity growth for Fiji, with a 6% increase in flights and seats over the last six months and a further 4% growth forecasted.
This improved access, coupled with strong demand from both short- and long-haul markets—including three major Australian cities and even London, despite the lack of direct flights, has contributed to record-breaking occupancy levels.
Han Kee also addressed the increasing role of artificial intelligence in travel planning, acknowledging both its potential and its limitations.
“AI is becoming a trend for people planning their itineraries, but it does not always account for real-world factors like traffic or local knowledge. It’s essential to combine technology with official information and human expertise to create the best experiences,” he said.
In the future, Han Kee sees opportunities for Fiji to grow further by targeting emerging traveler segments and extending demand beyond peak seasons.
“With strong data, strategic marketing, and continued investment in connectivity, Fiji can build on its leadership in the region,” he concluded.
ForwardKeys is offering a detailed teaser report on Fiji’s tourism trends for those interested in deeper insights.