Australian travellers’ love affair with Fiji shows no signs of abating, after Aussie travel to the country hit an unprecedented level in 2023.
Citing Fiji Bureau of Statistics data, Tourism Fiji reports that 434,533 Australians travelled to the island nation last year, a figure that easily surpasses the previous record of 367,020 achieved in 2019 – equal to a 16.9 per cent rise.
Overall, Fiji welcomed nearly 1 million (929,740) visitors in 2023, which reflects a 104 per cent increase on 2019 numbers.
According to Tourism Fiji, the estimated visitor spend was AU$3.3 billion.
As Fiji’s biggest source market, Australia made up nearly 50 per cent of all visitor arrivals.
To help meet traveller demand now and into the future, the South Pacific nation has attracted several significant developments.
“Towards the end of 2023, we proudly announced several notable investments, including a new luxury resort and lifestyle precinct, Vatu Talei – The Jewel, and Radisson Hotel Group’s second Fiji property Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Fiji Naisoso Island,” Tourism Fiji Executive Director of Regions Robert Thompson said.
“Additionally, the opening of Waya Island Resort in the Yasawas and the introduction of MS Caledonian Sky to Fiji waters by Captain Cook Cruises have added further diversity to our tourism landscape.
“The imminent launch of Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay in March is a testament to the thriving tourism industry in Fiji.”
The country could also welcome its first casino resort and complex if it approves a major new proposal – and the issuance of casino licenses more broadly.
What’s in store for 2024?
In the midst of this tourism boom, Fiji also has a number of high-profile events lined up for 2024.
Among the events to take place this year is a Melbourne Storm-Newcastle Knights match (February), the first NRL-sanctioned rugby league game to be held in Fiji; sponsored by Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways, the event will see the Storm spend a week in the country before the match, where it will connect with communities and hope to inspire local schools and rugby league clubs.
The Pacific nation will also host the last stop of the World Surf League Fiji Pro (20-29 August) at iconic Cloudbreak, following a seven-year hiatus.
Australian eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore says she can’t wait to surf there again.
“I’ve competed in Fiji several times and have always enjoyed myself there,” Gilmore said.
“It is such a beautiful location; the people are always so friendly and welcoming, and the waves are perfect. I’m excited to get back and challenge myself.”
Meanwhile, Kokomo Private Island will team up with renowned chef Lennox Hastie (Gildas and Firedoor) to host a unique culinary experience (8-11 February), while radio personality Jackie O and her bestie Gemma O’Neill will bring their ‘Besties’ retreat to the resort in September.
Elsewhere, Six Senses Fiji will launch its first wellness retreat (16-20 May).
To help capitalise on the unprecedented tourism demand, Tourism Fiji has confirmed the 2nd Tourism Investment Summit in partnership with AHICE, to be held in July 2024.
For its part, Fiji Airways continued the expansion of its fleet in 2023, led by the arrival of its new A350s.
It also commenced new routes to Canberra (read our review of the inaugural flight), Japan, Hong Kong and New Caledonia.
Tourism Fiji: agents & award
Tourism Fiji recently hosted ten travel advisors on its annual ‘Matai’ agent famil, with the group treated to some of the best experiences the South Pacific paradise has to offer.
Last year, Tourism Fiji received gongs in two separate tourism awards – named Oceania’s Leading Tourist Board 2023 at the World Travel Awards and a 2023 PATA Gold Award Winner Marketing (National-Pacific) for its ‘Where Happiness Comes Naturally’ campaign.
