TOURISM remains at the heart of Fiji’s economy and will continue to drive national progress, declared Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka.
Gavoka announced that Fiji welcomed a record 986,367 visitors in 2025—a modest 0.3% increase from the previous year, but a notable milestone as the sector edges closer to the one-million-visitor mark.
“Our focus is not just on growing numbers, but on how tourism grows, who participates and benefits, and how resilient the sector remains over the long term,” Gavoka told industry stakeholders.
He acknowledged the essential contributions of individuals and communities across the sector, noting, “Tourism is powered by people.”
Gavoka credited advances in air connectivity, policy reforms, and international events for the strong recovery, but was candid about the need for faster reforms and greater inclusion of small businesses and remote communities.
Gavoka outlined the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism, referencing the National Sustainable Tourism Framework and efforts to embed climate resilience, empower local communities, and strengthen workforce readiness.
He encouraged stakeholders to look beyond traditional destinations, develop new regions such as Lau, and prioritize long-term sustainability over rapid expansion.
“As your minister, I acknowledge there are areas where we have fallen short…but what has been constant is that tourism is powered by people,” Gavoka said.
He urged participants to use the convention as a platform for frank dialogue and collaboration, reaffirming that tourism will remain central to Fiji’s economic and societal development.