FDB secures naming rights to Fiji’s top Tourism Awards

Fiji Development Bank (FDB) has become the naming rights sponsor of the country's most prestigious tourism awards, in what its chief executive describes as the bank's largest sponsorship commitment to the tourism sector to date.

The three-year partnership with the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards – now officially known as the FDB Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards – runs from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2029.

FDB chief executive officer Filimone Waqabaca said the move was about more than branding.

"Apart from lending and supporting businesses that are already engaging in this sector, our sponsorship of the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award is one to recognise those that are in the industry and helping prop our economy," he said.

Tourism contributes around 40 per cent of Fiji's gross domestic product. FDB currently holds over 400 loan accounts in the sector, valued at more than $64 million.

FETA chairperson Debra Sadranu said the partnership with FDB – a bank focused heavily on small and medium enterprises, aligned with the awards' push to recognise operators beyond the big resorts and hotels.

"To have a bank like Fiji Development Bank as our naming rights sponsor, who are very focused on SMEs and supporting smaller tourism operators, that aligns with our focus in expanding our categories to acknowledge the contribution of everybody," she said.

Mr Waqabaca also flagged an additional benefit for tourism workers – affordable housing loans at 3.99 per cent interest for those earning $50,000 and below, aimed at helping workers relocate closer to tourism hubs, particularly in the West.

"When you are well looked after in a home, you will be able to then translate that to performing well at the workplace," he said.

The next FETA gala event is scheduled for February next year.