SOUTH PACIFIC: First Tourism Act for Fiji a landmark step to modernise the sector

Fiji’s first Tourism Act is a landmark step to modernise the travel and tourism sector – Image: Tourism Fiji 

Fiji is turning a page in its tourism story. With the endorsement of the Fiji Tourism Policy 2025–2035, the nation is laying the foundation for its very first Tourism Act—a landmark step that will modernise the sector and anchor it in sustainability, resilience, and community benefit.

For decades, Fiji’s tourism industry has thrived on natural beauty and cultural warmth, but its legal framework has remained fragmented and outdated. Now, with this policy aligned to the National Sustainable Tourism Framework (2024–2034), Fiji is charting a bold course toward a future where tourism is not just about visitors, but about values.

The policy is more than a document—it is a strategic blueprint. It sets out how Fiji will grow responsibly, elevate its global competitiveness, and meet commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF), and the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.

The Fiji Tourism Policy 2025-2035 serves as the strategic blueprint for a Tourism Act that will integrate resilience and sustainability standards, establish a governance and regulatory structure, and strengthen oversight and system coordination.

Fiji is promoting the country’s next-generation sustainable tourism destinations – Image: Tourism Fiji 

Lau Group Fiji’s next-generation sustainable tourism destination

Surrounded by pristine blue waters and rich marine biodiversity, the Lau Group is emerging as Fiji’s next-generation sustainable tourism destination. A high-level scoping mission led by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Viliame Gavoka, has set the foundation for a coordinated pathway toward community-led tourism development in the archipelago.

The mission brought together a multi-agency delegation including the UN Resident Coordinator, Dirk Wagener, representatives from UN agencies, iTaukei Trust Fund Board Chief Executive Officer Aisake Taito, International Organisation for Migration representative Solomon Kantha, Fiji’s Navy, iTaukei Affairs Board, Public Works Department, Conservation International, and the Fiji Ministry of Information.

The scoping mission focused on assessing opportunities for sustainable destination management across the Lau islands. Critical baseline data was gathered to inform strategic planning, investment decisions, and policy development for remote island tourism.

Engagements with island leaders highlighted community aspirations, risks, and capacity-building needs. Structured consultations, environmental reviews, and feasibility studies are now guiding the development of a sustainable tourism framework tailored to Lau’s unique context.

During the official visit to Lakeba, Minister Gavoka emphasised that “the future of tourism in the Lau Group must be shaped and led by its people.” His statement underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that tourism growth enhances Fiji’s leadership in community-centred development.

At the destination level, a dedicated planning framework is being established to guide investments, zoning, and sustainability standards. The approach ensures that developments are co-designed with local communities, directing benefits to households through employment, enterprise opportunities, and retained revenue.

Findings from the mission are being embedded into national policy instruments to inform future legislative directions. Strengthening cross-ministerial coordination is a key priority, streamlining efforts in community tourism, conservation, and infrastructure readiness.

Partnerships with regional and international agencies are also being leveraged to support resilience, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable development models for the Lau Group.

NAN 4-3-26/Fiji Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation

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