Tourism Minister Viliam Gavoka said tourists were spending large amounts of money on tours and attractions, showing a growing interest in activities beyond accommodation and airfare.
Emphasizing this, he revealed that accommodation and airfare will account for 60% of spending in 2023.
According to the minister, the 929,740 visitors who arrived in Fiji last year contributed an estimated $3.22 billion to the economy, with approximately 46 per cent of the expenditure spent before arrival and the remaining 54 per cent during their stay. It is said that the expenditure was made.
Gaboka said this trend suggests that tourism activity can benefit local communities, particularly through increased visitor numbers and spending on experiences.
“As tourists seek more exploration during their stay, it creates opportunities for local businesses to offer tours, attractions, and other activities, thereby stimulating economic growth in grassroots communities. It is expected to grow significantly and Americans will be very active visitors and explore Fiji.”
Gaboka said they are reaching out to grassroots communities in capacity building and knowledge sharing on exploring community-based tourism activities such as adventure and ecotourism.
The Minister says there is a need to step up efforts and work to spread the benefits of tourism to other parts of Fiji.
He added that in the three months of this year, Fiji had not only recovered pre-pandemic tourist numbers, but had also increased by about 12%, and was forecast to receive one million tourists by the end of the year. .
