Ms Lockington said the financial burden should not fall solely on the tourism sector, which was still grappling with COVID-19 debt, rising wages, labour shortages, infrastructure pressures and increasing operating costs.

CEO Paresh Pant says expanding tourism investment into other provinces will spread economic benefits, unlock new attractions and reduce pressure on existing infrastructure.

Partnership will deliver three new hotel developments in Denarau and Nadi, strengthening Fiji's tourism offering and adding more than 370 rooms by 2027.

Tourism Fiji says investment is needed in mid-range accommodation, visitor attractions and agritourism to meet changing traveller demands and encourage longer stays.

A community-led tourism project at Nasaseru Pool in Wailevu East, near Savusavu, is opening new economic opportunities after local youth, residents, and a Peace Corps volunteer revived the initiative post-COVID.

Project combines forest conservation, cultural heritage and rural economic development.