Fiji has marked a historic achievement in its tourism sector, with over 1.06 million visitors arriving in 2024, surpassing the one million mark for the first time in the country’s history.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Biman Prasad, took to X to celebrate the nation’s record-breaking tourism figures and express gratitude to everyone involved in making the country’s tourism sector unforgettable, tweeting, “Vinaka vakalevu to everyone in making Fiji unforgettable!”
Tourism Fiji’s CEO, Brent Hill, celebrated the milestone, noting that more than 80,000 of these arrivals were from cruise ships, in addition to over 980,000 people arriving by air.
Hill further highlighted that 2025 is set to be another exceptional year for the industry, as Fiji enters its peak cruise season, with major vessels like the Crown Princess and MS Europa recently docking. The latter notably visited Taveuni, bringing over 5,000 passengers to the island.
Cruise tourism continues to thrive, with shore excursions, tours, and shopping contributing significantly to Fiji’s economy. Hill praised the extensive efforts by local organisations to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for tourists, underscoring the positive impact on Fiji’s islands and villages.
The industry has seen a remarkable growth, with 2023 already setting a record with 929,740 visitors, a 46.1% increase from the previous year.
In 2024, the record number of international tourists came from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States showing significant increases in travel to the islands.
However, this tourism success contrasts with a troubling rise in crime rates. Recently, a Fijian man has been charged following the alleged sexual assault of a Virgin Australia flight crew member and the robbery of another during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Nadi.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka expressed concern over the incidents, calling them “regrettable” and promising to bolster security in tourist areas. “We need to revamp the tourism police unit and increase visibility to ensure safety,” Gavoka said. While highlighting Fiji as a generally safe destination, he acknowledged the challenges of managing public safety in popular nightlife districts like Nadi. The incidents have prompted calls for a balance between relaxed holiday experiences and stricter safety measures.
In 2024, the Fiji Police Force reported an increase in crime compared to 2023, with theft, assault causing bodily harm, burglary, and unlawful possession of illicit drugs being the most common offences. The force also highlighted a rise in sexual offences, including sexual assault and rape.
Fiji’s tourism industry, a cornerstone of its economy, contributes approximately 40% to the nation’s GDP, and the allegations have sparked widespread concern among locals about their potential future impact on the sector. In response, government and police authorities have vowed to ramp up law enforcement efforts with a focus on maintaining safety and order amid the growing tourist numbers.
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