Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honorable Viliame Gavoka told delegates at the recent HOTEC Tradeshow at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort that Fiji could be inching close to one million visitors by year end.
Gavoka noted tourism’s projected contribution of US$11.1 trillion to the global economy this year.
“The travel industry will account for US$1 out of every US$10 spent globally in 2024 as the sector’s contribution to global Gross Domestic Product,” Gavoka told attendees.
The Deputy Prime Minister revealed a 7% increase in visitor arrivals to Fiji as of September 2024 compared to the previous year.
Tourism currently contributes 40% to Fiji’s GDP, with gross receipts reaching 3.3 billion last year.
“Despite cost of living, Generation Z, those born between 1995 and 2010, is prioritising tourism over other aspects of life such as purchasing homes,” he explained.
He also noted the rising importance of the Chinese and Indian markets, saying “over 100 million seniors will travel” from China by next year.
Sustainability emerged as a key focus of this year’s tradeshow.
Gavoka highlighted the industry’s progress in reducing its environmental impact, noting that “Global travel and tourism industry’s Green-House Gases emissions were 6.7% in 2023, a reduction from the 7.8% recorded in 2019.”
Meanwhile, Tourism Fiji anticipates reaching FJ$4 billion in gross receipts “in the next few years,” according to Gavoka.
He emphasised the importance of adapting to changing tourist preferences, noting that “81% of travellers say trying local foods and cuisines is the highlight of their trip and 47% of Gen Z and Millennials have planned an entire trip around visiting a specific restaurant.”