In June 2022, Fiji received 62,130 visitors, which is 73 percent of pre-COVID (June 2019) levels. This is an increase of 30 percent compared to May 2022.

Looking at year to date arrivals (January-June 2022), visitors to Fiji totalled 205,529 – showing a 50 percent recovery of arrivals over the same period in 2019.

In considering key markets in June 2022 compared to June 2019, arrivals from Australia showed a strong recovery of 97 percent, the highest seen since re-opening borders in December 2021.

Other key markets such as New Zealand (66%), US (78%) and Canada (80%) have also shown significant recovery of June 2019 numbers, with more than half being in the 25-64 years age group.

The Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Hon. Faiyaz Koya, said that the strong performance of the Fijian tourism is directly fuelling the recovery of the Fijian economy, which is now expected to grow by 12.4 percent this year.

“A few months ago, our concern was filling in airline seats and rooms. Now, we’re essentially working on near full capacity which is fantastic,” said Hon. Koya.

“You would have also seen that the Reserve Bank of Fiji has revised the 2022-2023 projection, and we’re now expecting visitor arrivals to reach 55 percent of 2019 levels with full recovery by 2024. Our national airline, Fiji Airways has also reported bookings held for the 6-month period June to November compared to the same period in 2019 has increased by 9.3 percent,” added Hon. Koya.

The Ministry will continue to work with its key Government and industry partners to ensure the full recovery of the industry, with the right support provided in the upcoming 2022-2023 national budget.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is urging the Fijian tourism industry to maintain Fiji’s image as a safe tourism destination and to continue advocating for COVID safe practices, as required by the Care Fiji Commitment.

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj