Tourism Fiji says new hotels will attract broader visitor market

Fiji's tourism sector is expanding beyond the luxury market, with a growing range of accommodation aimed at attracting visitors across different budgets and travel preferences.

Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Paresh Pant said the country's evolving hotel pipeline would strengthen Fiji's appeal by offering visitors more choice while supporting growth in conferences, family holidays and multi-generational travel.

"As the tourism market grows, it's important that Fiji also has a variety of new accommodation choices," Mr Pant said.

He said while five-star resorts remained an important part of Fiji's tourism offering, the addition of mid-range properties would help cater for a broader market.

Mr Pant pointed to Yavu Collective's developments on Denarau Island as an example of the changing accommodation landscape.

The company, which operates Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, is developing the luxury Vatulele property alongside the three-and-a-half-star Tribe Na Tomba hotel.

He said the mix of accommodation would allow visitors to choose options that suited their budgets while still accessing facilities offered within the same hotel group.

"Someone who can afford a three-and-a-half-star package will still be able to access the Accor experience, which also includes the Sofitel," he said.

Mr Pant said the broader accommodation mix would also benefit the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market, where delegates often have different travel budgets and accommodation needs.

"Not everybody has the same budget. Some people travel as corporate guests, while others bring their families with them. Having different room types gives us more flexibility to market Fiji," Mr Pant said.

He said other major developments were progressing, including new Accor properties, Radisson's expansion at Naisoso Island and the planned opening of the Westin resort.

Mr Pant said additional resort developments were also planned for the Yasawa Islands, although details could not yet be disclosed.

The developments are being financed through a mix of private investment and Government-owned entities.