The tourism industry is estimated to have contributed $273 million to the economy last month, Tourism Fiji has said.

Visitor arrivals reached 76,961, which is a 100.2 per cent of April 2019 figures, and 118 per cent of last month’s target.

Australia and New Zealand accounted for 71 per cent of arrivals.

Tourism Fiji said transit numbers remained robust, with over 19,000 passengers utilising Fiji as a hub.

Holiday figures showed a nine per cent increase compared to April 2019 and a notable 33 per cent increase from the previous month, reflecting a strong desire for travel.

“Well done to everyone in our industry for the continued hard work and promotional effort to continue to put Fiji at the forefront of tourist’s minds around the world,” said Tourism Fiji chief executive officer, Brent Hill.

“Great to see tourists from Japan and China coming back in good numbers already following resumption of the direct services.”

Fiji has received 252,245 arrivals this year so far, which accumulate to 911,783 arrivals since reopening borders.

Story by: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj