Coral Coast 7s Gives Major Economic Boost to Sigatoka

The McDonald's Coral Coast 7s tournament has boosted the economy of Sigatoka Town, which has directly benefitted surrounding villages and farming settlements.

Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NNCCI), President Suresh Naidu, said this year's tournament at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, was a great success.

He said such large-scale sporting events has transformed the "Rugby Town" into a bustling economic hub.

Economic Injection:

Naidu noted that the influx of international and local teams, along with thousands of spectators, provided a massive boost to the hospitality, retail, and transport sectors.

"Hotels along the Coral Coast often reach full capacity, and local vendors in Sigatoka Town see a significant rise in foot traffic," he said.

Tourism Synergy:

Naidu has frequently referred to Nadroga Navosa as the "tourism heart of Fiji" and the "breadbasket" of the nation.

He praised the tournament for fostering deeper connections between the agricultural sector (supplying food to resorts and vendors) and the tourism industry.

"The Chamber continues to advocate for improved infrastructure in Sigatoka to better support these major events, ensuring that the 'breadbasket' of Fiji remains equipped to handle its role as a premier sporting destination," said Naidu.

Global Visibility:

By attracting top-tier international sides-such as the USA men's sevens and the British Army-the event keeps Sigatoka on the global map, which Naidu views as essential for long-term business investment in the region.

Resilience and Growth:

In his 2026 outlook, Naidu cited the "incredible resilience" of the local economy and positioned the Sevens as a prime example of how community-led initiatives drive "economic innovation" and "sustainable growth."

2026 Tournament Context The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it features:

■ A record-breaking $50,000 cash prize for the men's winner.

■ 24 men's teams, 14 of which are from overseas.

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