AGP Executive Report

Tourism Tax Clarity: Fiji’s tourism sector says it welcomes the government’s move to apply the 5% Tourism Services Tax only to new bookings from 1 September, reducing the risk of surprise charges for travellers who booked earlier. Hotel Expansion: Warwick Hotels and Resorts is planning a $200m expansion and renovation across Fiji properties over the next 30 months, including new rooms at Naviti and Tokatoka, plus upgrades at Warwick Fiji and Tambua Sands. New Resorts Announced: The government says two new hotel developments—Golden Tokatoka Resort near Nadi and Silver Crescent Resort on the Coral Coast—will help boost capacity as Fiji targets major visitor and earnings growth by 2027. Fiji Airways Route Watch: Australian media report Fiji Airways may suspend the Canberra–Nadi direct service from 5 February 2027, a potential blow to regional air links. AI Travel Storytelling: Tourism Fiji partners with Baidu Wenku to launch AI-generated Fiji travel guides for Chinese audiences, spotlighting adventure, cuisine, culture, nature and wellness. Fiji Pro & Surf Tourism: The Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak continues to draw attention to Fiji’s surf tourism, with Australians pushing hard in the second round. Fiji Day Youth Ocean Fest: Natadola will host the youth Ocean Surf Fest on Fiji Day, backed by IHG, blending surfing, ocean education and cultural storytelling. Business & Investment Push: Fiji and Australia are urged to move from dialogue to investment as the Australia-Fiji and Fiji-Australia Business Council forum opens in Suva. Visitor Spending (Global Context): July 2026 visitor spending rose in Hawaii, a reminder of how travel demand can shift toward higher daily spend even when stays shorten.

Tourism Tax Clarity: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to bookings made on or after 1 September, easing fears of surprise charges for travellers who already paid—though the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association says operators still need clear, practical guidance before the start date. Hotel Growth Push: Warwick Hotels and Resorts is planning a $200m expansion and renovation across Fiji, including new rooms at Naviti and Tokatoka, plus upgrades at Warwick Fiji, Tambua Sands and more. New Resorts Announced: Warwick also revealed two new developments—Golden Tokatoka Resort near Nadi and Silver Crescent Resort on the Coral Coast—aimed at helping Fiji add thousands of rooms by 2027. Fiji Airways Route Shake-up: Reports say Fiji Airways may suspend its Canberra–Nadi direct service from 5 February 2027, with flights continuing until then. Fiji Pro Spotlight: The Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak continues to draw global attention, with Deputy PM and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka highlighting major brand exposure and local economic benefits. AI Storytelling for China: Tourism Fiji and Baidu Wenku are launching AI-generated travel guides to promote Fiji’s adventure, cuisine, culture, nature and wellness to Chinese audiences. Youth Ocean Fest: Natadola will host the Hanua Ocean Surf Fest on Fiji Day (10 October), mixing youth surfing, ocean education and cultural storytelling.

Fiji Airways & travel costs: Fiji Airways says three BYD Shark 6 vehicles leased this year are more cost-effective than the vehicles they replaced, after online questions about spending priorities. Aviation disruption: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says a fuel shortage at Nadi is expected to be resolved within days after a new jet fuel shipment, with a NOTAM still in force. Route shake-up: Fiji Airways will suspend its Canberra–Nadi service from 5 Feb 2027, ending a direct link that’s been running for more than three years. Tourism tax clarity: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to new bookings from 1 Sept 2026 (to 31 Aug 2027), with existing bookings exempt—welcomed by TAANZ and the FHTA after backlash over earlier retrospective plans. Food security for visitors: Fiji is expanding hydroponics and protected agriculture to boost year-round vegetable supply and cut the $1.1b food import bill. Blue Pacific push: Fiji says COP31 must put the ocean at the centre of climate action, linking marine health to island economies and communities. On-the-ground safety: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu urges in-taxi cameras and better digital booking systems after a Nadi taxi driver attack. Surf tourism spotlight: Wildcards Teah Kurop and Teo Degei fly the Fijian flag at the Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak, with the event touted for major brand exposure and local economic injection.

Tourism Tax Clarity: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to new bookings from 1 September 2026, with existing reservations exempt—bringing relief to travellers and travel agents after backlash over earlier retrospective plans. Aviation Update: Fiji Airways will suspend its Canberra–Nadi direct route from 5 February 2027, citing fuel costs and softer demand, while Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says a temporary Nadi fuel shortage should ease within days after a new jet fuel shipment. Industry Pushback & Support: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association rejects claims of “delaying tactics,” while TAANZ welcomes the transition as practical for Kiwi travellers. Sustainable Food & Farming: Fiji is expanding hydroponics and protected agriculture to boost off-season vegetable supply and cut reliance on imports. Green Industry Idea: Bamboo is being pitched as a new climate-smart value chain for rural jobs, from growing and processing to construction and tourism materials. Surf Tourism Spotlight: Wildcards Teah Kurop and Teo Degei fly Fiji’s flag at the Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak, with tourism leaders highlighting major global exposure and local community initiatives. Safety Call: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu urges taxi drivers to consider in-vehicle cameras and better digital booking records after a Nadi taxi attack.

Tourism Tax Update: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax (TST) is still sparking backlash, but TAANZ says the government has confirmed it will apply only to new bookings made on or after 1 September 2026—so travellers who already booked before then won’t face extra charges. Industry Pushback: Australia’s ATIA and Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) had warned the levy could hit holidaymakers and disrupt Fiji Airways support, with concerns about fairness and how the tax is applied to existing payments. Aviation Support Debate: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka defended the TST as needed to help Fiji Airways with rising fuel costs, while government says it consulted the sector and shifted the start date to give businesses time. Tourism Momentum: Fiji Tourism Minister Gavoka pointed to strong demand, with July arrivals topping 105,791—an all-time monthly high—while noting growth must reach communities beyond the Western Division. Fiji Pro Spotlight: The 2026 Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak is being framed as more than sport, with claims of major global reach and local economic benefits for boat operators, resorts, small businesses and surfers. Safety Reminder: With school holidays underway, road users are urged to drive carefully and parents to monitor children’s whereabouts and online/offline activities.

Tourism Tax Showdown: Fiji Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka defended the proposed 5% Tourism Services Tax (TST) meant to support Fiji Airways, saying the airline needs about FJ$40m a month for fuel and the levy is expected to raise around FJ$70m, as the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) warns the move could hurt growth and visitor numbers. Fairness Fix: Government says the 5% TST will apply only to new bookings made on or after 1 September, not to bookings made before then—even if services are delivered after—after industry calls to avoid retrospective charges. Industry Pushback: FHTA CEO Fantasha Lockington rejects claims of “delay” or “sabotage,” pointing to cancellations and rebookings caused by the added cost on existing trips, and says it could ultimately undermine Fiji Airways. Airline Impact Warning: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica argues cutting flights by 20–30% would ripple through the wider economy, tourism, investment and VAT collections. Tourism Momentum: Fiji hit a record 105,791 visitors in July, and the Fiji Pro is framed as a community-and-reef protection showcase that also delivered major global exposure and local spend. Road Safety for Families: With school holidays underway, officials urged parents and drivers to take extra care and monitor children’s whereabouts and online activity. Kadavu Rugby Safety: Kadavu Rugby Union moved remaining home games to Viti Levu due to wet weather, rough seas and safety concerns. Sports Spotlight: The Fiji Pearls step up preparations for Netball World Cup qualifiers in Tonga with an intensive camp ahead of departure on 9 September.

Tourism Tax Backlash: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax (TST) starts 1 September, with Australia and New Zealand warning it could raise holiday costs and hit travellers who already booked, as ATIA and TAANZ call for “grandfathering” existing deals. Industry Pushback: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association says businesses still don’t understand how the levy will apply to deposits and existing bookings, warning turnover-based tax could squeeze operators’ profits and damage destination reputation. Government Response: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the government consulted since June and moved the start date to give time to prepare, but accuses some players of “delaying tactics” and negative publicity. Air Connectivity Stakes: Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka defends the tax as support for Fiji Airways, while Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica warns cutting flights by 20–30% would ripple through the wider economy. Record Arrivals & Showcase: Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak is framed as a tourism and community platform, as July arrivals topped 105,791—Fiji’s highest monthly total on record. Road Safety Reminder: Assistant Transport Minister Naisa Tuinaceva urges extra care during school holidays as traffic rises, with police enforcement and calls for drivers to rest and avoid alcohol. Travel Disruption: Air Niugini rescheduled a Nadi flight after Vanuatu weather disruptions, pushing the Nadi overnight by a day.

Tourism Tax Backlash: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax (TST) is drawing sharp criticism as ATIA and TAANZ warn it could hit travellers with already-booked holidays, with the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) saying confusion over turnover-based billing and existing deposits could damage Fiji’s reputation. Government Pushback: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the industry’s “delaying tactics” and negative publicity are undermining a measure meant to support Fiji Airways, with the rollout now set for September 1. Surfing Law Repeal: Fiji’s parliament has repealed a 2010 law opening surfing breaks to public access, replacing it with the Commercial Use of Marine Areas (CUMA) Bill to strengthen customary owners’ rights. Fiji Pro Spotlight: The World Surf League Championship Tour returns to Cloudbreak for the 2026 Fiji Pro (Aug 25–Sep 4), with temporary closures and access restrictions expected. Community & Safety: RFMF warns of a military exercise near Vuda Marina and Serenity Island, while the government reports support for more than 80 people through street outreach in Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa and Raiwaqa.

Tourism Tax Tensions: Fiji’s Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association and some operators are using “delaying tactics” over the new 5% Tourism Services Tax, arguing the government extended deadlines in good faith and that the levy is meant to support Fiji Airways. Industry Pushback: The FHTA says businesses are still unclear on how the turnover-based tax will apply to existing bookings, deposits and wholesaler transactions, warning confusion in Australia and New Zealand could hurt Fiji’s destination reputation. Local Travel Impact: With the tax set to start September 1, the FHTA says guidelines were only finalised days ago, leaving operators scrambling—while the Australian Travel Industry Association calls the rollout a “broken promise” for travellers with pre-paid trips. Aviation Disruption: Air Niugini rescheduled an overnight Nadi flight by a full day after Vanuatu weather forced diversions, prioritising safety and reshuffling connections. Fiji Pro Surfing: The 2026 Fiji Pro returns to Cloudbreak from August 25 to September 4, with Tourism Fiji urging visitors to follow official access and closure notices. Community & Access: Immigration services are set to expand with Nakasi and Rakiraki offices opening next month, and a new borehole is improving water reliability for the Yasiyasi community in Nadi.

Tourism Tax Clash: Fiji’s Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the government is pushing back against “delay tactics” by the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) and some operators over the 5% Tourism Services Tax, arguing the extensions were given in good faith but the backlash risks damaging Fiji’s tourism reputation. Industry Pushback: FHTA CEO Fantasha Lockington says businesses are still unclear on how the turnover-based tax will apply to existing bookings, deposits and wholesaler transactions, warning the confusion could hit travellers in key markets. Tax Rollout Pressure: The government says the implementation date has moved from July 1 to August 1 and then September 1, while FHTA warns guidelines only landed days before the start date. Surfing Spotlight: The World Surf League Championship Tour returns to Cloudbreak for the 2026 Fiji Pro (Aug 25–Sep 4), with Tourism Fiji urging operators and visitors to follow temporary closure and access notices. Culinary Tourism Boost: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji in Savusavu appoints Australian chef Shaun Thomson as Executive Chef after its April 2026 reopening, aiming to elevate the resort as a culinary destination. Local Access & Services: Immigration services are set to expand with new Nakasi and Rakiraki offices opening next month (targeting September), plus planned services to Rotuma. Community Tourism Links: Labasa Town Council moves to tackle long-standing rate arrears and plans beautification and public toilet upgrades to lift the town’s tourism appeal. Affordable Housing Supply: The Housing Authority reports 267 serviced lots and 101 model homes delivered in 2025/26, including Nepani and Davuilevu subdivisions. US Visa Bonds Impact (Regional Travel): A US Visa Bond Program in Tonga (and other countries) is forcing applicants to post large bonds before visas, with travel agents in the region describing added costs and travel to Fiji for interviews. Cruise Interest: Silversea’s 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 departs Perth and will call at 57 destinations across 11 countries, including South Pacific highlights.

Tourism Tax Fallout: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association says confusion over the new 5% Tourism Services Tax could have been avoided, warning that late finalised guidelines leave agents scrambling and may hurt Fiji’s reputation as a well-run destination. Aussie Visitor Costs: Australia’s travel industry is also slamming the same tax, saying retrospective billing and short lead times could catch travellers with existing September bookings. Industry Pushback: TAANZ says urgent talks are underway with the Fijian Government over implementation details, arguing travellers who already paid shouldn’t be hit with extra charges. Immigration Access: Nakasi and Rakiraki immigration offices are set to open next month/late next month (with September targets), bringing passport and citizenship services closer to communities. Water Relief in Nadi: A new borehole is easing long-running water shortages for the Yasiyasi community, providing clean water for households and gardens. Luxury Travel Spotlight: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji appoints Australian chef Shaun Thomson to sharpen its culinary destination appeal. Cruise & Expedition Interest: Silversea’s 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 departs Fremantle, calling at 57 destinations across 11 countries. Safety Reminder: Parents are urged to closely supervise children during school holidays, especially around roads, rivers, sea and online risks.

Water Security: A new borehole in Nadi’s Yasiyasi community is finally easing generations of water shortages, supplying clean water to about six households and 30+ residents. Street Outreach: Fiji’s Ministry is ramping up multi-agency operations in urban centres to reintegrate people living on the streets, including support for youths and senior citizens. Tourism Tax Backlash: Fiji’s new 5% tourism services tax for large operators kicks in Sept 1, and Australian and Kiwi travel groups say it wasn’t properly consulted and could hit travellers with extra costs on already-booked trips. Immigration Access: Nakasi and Rakiraki immigration offices are set to open next month (with timelines pushed into September), with online citizenship services also expanding. Marine Rights: Fiji Parliament passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill, with debate over whether it truly restores qoliqoli ownership for customary owners. Airport Fuel Disruption: Air New Zealand and other airlines reported cancellations and schedule changes due to a fuel shortage affecting Nadi operations. Safety & Compliance: MSAF warns vessel operators to stop running without valid licences and safety gear, or face grounding and penalties. Denarau Sewage Concerns: Denarau’s wastewater rising main bursts are raising fresh alarms for tourism, environment and infrastructure upkeep. Disaster Response: No budget is allocated to compensate a Lakeba medical team rescued from open waters, though recovery support is planned. Travel-Ready Families: Parents are urged to supervise children closely during holidays, especially around roads, rivers, sea and online risks.

Tourism Tax Backlash: Fiji’s new 5% tourism services tax for large operators kicks in Sept 1, and Australian and Kiwi travel groups say retrospective billing could hit travellers with already-paid bookings—calling it a “broken promise.” Border & Visitor Readiness: Immigration services are expanding beyond Suva/Lautoka with new offices planned for Nakasi and Rakiraki in September, plus officials to visit Rotuma Aug 24–Sept 13. Marine Tourism Law: Parliament passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025, aiming to modernise commercial tourism marine management and restore proprietary control to iTaukei customary owners via a new vesting process. Air Travel Disruption: A national fuel shortage at Nadi has forced some flight cancellations and fuel-management moves by airlines including Air NZ and Virgin Australia. Safety for Holidaymakers: Parents are urged to closely supervise children during school holidays, with warnings on road, river, sea and online risks. Denarau Under Pressure: Denarau’s wastewater rising main has burst again, raising fresh concerns for Fiji’s key tourism hub and nearby marine impacts. Tech Marketing Win: Tourism Fiji won a PATA Gold Award for an AI-powered marketing and booking push for the Chinese market.

Tourism Tax Shock: Fiji Parliament has passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025, but the bigger travel headache is the new 5% Tourism Services Tax from 1 September—industry groups say limited consultation and retrospective billing could hit travellers who already paid for Fiji holidays. Marine Rights Overhaul: Rewa chief Ro Naulu Mataitini says the new marine law still fails to restore qoliqoli ownership promised to iTaukei customary owners, even as the Government says it creates a process for vesting proprietary control for commercial tourism marine areas. Airport Disruption: Air New Zealand and other carriers faced cancellations and fuel workarounds after a fuel shortage at Nadi airport, with passengers rebooked as airlines tankered, upgauged, or cancelled services. Holiday Safety: Parents are being warned to closely supervise children during school holidays—especially around roads, rivers, the sea, and online risks. Disability Jobs Push: Australia’s AUD$140,000 grant will support accessibility audits and a recruitment drive to help place people with disabilities into Fiji aviation and tourism roles. Denarau Pressure: Denarau’s wastewater rising main bursts have flared again, raising fresh concerns for foul odours and impacts on Fiji’s key tourism hub. Tourism Tech Win: Tourism Fiji picked up a PATA Gold Award for AI-powered destination marketing for the Chinese market.

Denarau Tourism Hit by Recurring Sewage Bursts: Another wastewater rising-main burst near Denarau has sparked fresh anger over foul odours and fears of pollution reaching the Denarau River, with Nadi business leaders warning the ageing pipeline may be beyond its asset life and calling for urgent maintenance. Tourism Tax Backlash: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has slammed Fiji’s new Tourism Services Tax, saying retrospective billing is turning settled bookings into surprise costs for travellers and businesses. Marine Areas Bill Passes: Parliament has passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025, giving iTaukei customary owners a pathway to gain control and financial benefits from qualifying commercial marine areas—while opposition says tourism operators weren’t fully involved in consultations. Tourism Tech Win: Tourism Fiji has won a PATA Gold Award for its AI-powered end-to-end marketing and booking ecosystem for the Chinese market, citing strong conversion and massive TikTok reach. Fiji Airways Guarantee Approved: Parliament has backed a FJD200m (US$90.5m) government guarantee to support Fiji Airways borrowing amid liquidity pressure and higher fuel costs. Accessibility Push: Fiji targets at least 2% disability employment in tourism and aviation by 2029, with a 12-month programme including airport accessibility checks and inclusive recruitment support. Road Safety Warning as School Holidays Loom: Police report multiple child road accidents, including one fatality, urging parents and drivers to be extra vigilant during busy holiday periods. Denarau’s Sewage Problem Erupts Again: Another burst over the weekend marks the third in the same area in months, raising environmental and tourism risks for Fiji’s major hub.

Tourism Regulation Overhaul: Fiji’s new Tourism Act 2026 replaces the 1973 Hotels and Guest Houses framework, bringing accommodation, tour operators, guides and experiences under one regulatory umbrella, with Fiji Tourism Standards and a tiered classification system for community and micro-tourism through to larger operators. Marine Access Rules: Parliament has passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025, aimed first at commercially used marine areas, with customary groups needing a formal process (not automatic transfer) while critics warn it could restrict everyday beach access. Disability Inclusion in Tourism: Fiji targets at least 2% employment for people with disabilities in tourism and aviation by 2029, backed by a 12-month programme including accessibility checks at major airports, staff training and inclusive recruitment. Maritime Safety Push: Fiji launches a US$1m initiative to remove 17 derelict high-risk vessels from Suva Harbour, supported by the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund, to protect navigation, ecosystems and future harbour use. Fiji Airways Funding: Parliament approves a FJD200m (US$90.5m) government guarantee for Fiji Airways borrowing to ease liquidity pressure and fuel costs. PATA Spotlight: Tourism Fiji wins a PATA Gold Award for its end-to-end AI destination marketing ecosystem for the Chinese market, while PATA Gold Awards 2026 also recognise 26 Asia-Pacific travel initiatives. Road Safety Alert: Police report an 8-year-old road fatality and multiple child injuries across separate crashes as school holidays approach, urging extra vigilance around children near roads. Culture & Travel Inspiration: Fijian designers Temesia and AZA bring Pacific creativity to New Zealand Fashion Week, and Pacific filmmakers spotlight indigenous stories at major festivals—good reminders that Fiji travel is also about culture, not just beaches.