Fiji tourism sector needs 100,000 hospitality workers

Fiji’s tourism industry needs at least 100,000 hospitality workers to meet growing visitor demand, creating more opportunities for skilled Fijians to build careers in the sector.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said Fiji welcomed about 75,000 visitors every month, placing greater pressure on the industry to have enough trained workers.

He made the comments at the ServicePro International Tourism and Hospitality Institute graduation ceremony in Suva yesterday, where graduates received Certificate III qualifications in Kitchen Operation and Hospitality Operation.

Mr Gavoka said the growing tourism industry should not only create jobs but also provide opportunities for Fijians to develop professional careers.

“We do not want our people to be the cheapest pair of hands in someone else’s resort,” Mr Gavoka said.

He told the graduates to consider building their careers in Fiji, while acknowledging that some may choose to work overseas to gain experience.

He also pointed to Government initiatives under the 2026–2027 National Budget aimed at expanding tourism opportunities and creating more jobs.

These include the Vanua Levu Tourism Development Project, known as Na Vualiku, and the Tourism Marketing Grant administered by Tourism Fiji.

The Farm to Fork initiative is also linking hotels and chefs with local farmers and fishers, helping keep more tourism income within Fiji and creating opportunities beyond hotels and resorts.

ServicePro director Epi Goneiwai told the graduates that their qualifications were only the beginning.

“Remain disciplined, humble and willing to learn as they enter the workforce,” Mr Goneiwai said.

The message comes as Fiji’s tourism industry looks to fill the skills gap while giving young Fijians a greater role in one of the country’s key economic sectors.