FIJI’S tourism industry has entered a new regulatory phase following the passing of the Tourism Bill No. 10 of 2026, which has now been enacted as the Tourism Act 2026.
The new legislation replaces the Hotel and Guest Houses Act 1973, introducing the country’s first comprehensive legal framework for the tourism sector at a time when the industry continues to expand and diversify.
The Act broadens regulatory coverage across the sector, including hotels, resorts, tour operators, community-based tourism ventures, camping and hiking experiences, and short-term accommodation platforms such as Airbnb.
Fiji currently attracts close to one million visitors annually, and the reforms are intended to modernise oversight systems to match the scale and complexity of the industry.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said the legislation reflects the changing dynamics of the sector and the growing participation of communities in tourism development.
The Act introduces national tourism standards, alongside strengthened sustainability and compliance requirements. It also includes provisions to protect indigenous and cultural knowledge, as well as expanded opportunities for community participation in the tourism economy.
According to the Ministry of Tourism Fiji, the law was developed through extensive consultations with tourism operators, communities, small businesses and government agencies across the country.
The Ministry said the reforms are designed to ensure a more inclusive, sustainable and well-regulated tourism industry aligned with Fiji’s long-term development priorities.
