AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Connectivity: Fiji Airways will add 125,000+ seats in 2027, including new Western Sydney flights and more services to Hong Kong, Christchurch, Singapore and Tokyo—aimed at boosting Nadi as a regional hub. Economy Outlook: The ADB cut Fiji’s 2026 growth forecast to 2.2% (1.9% in 2027), saying tourism stays resilient but earnings soften as stays shorten and spending dips. Pre-COP31 Climate Push: PM Mark Brown heads to Tuvalu and Fiji to press for faster, simpler climate finance and stronger ocean protection ahead of COP31. Regional Diplomacy: Fiji welcomed Cook Islands High Commissioner Michael John Henry; talks included trade, investment, tourism, labour mobility and shared Pre-COP31 priorities. Climate on the Ground: A Yasawa climate activist says reef decline and sea-level impacts are forcing young people to travel farther for food. Disaster Response: Emergency drinking water was delivered to Cikobia District School as El Niño-linked drought left tanks critically low. Health & Community: Sai Prema Foundation’s free eye screening in Suva drew 500+ registrations and has screened 43,666 people nationwide; PSH also provided free heart surgery for a 14-year-old after four years out of school. Travel Safety & Policy: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says Fiji’s hotels and flights remain full despite HIV/drugs headlines, arguing the country must tackle issues openly.

Pacific Pre-COP31 Push: Fiji’s PM Mark Brown will travel to Tuvalu and Fiji this week to press for faster, simpler climate finance for small island states, stronger ocean protection, and practical resilience projects ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, with Fiji hosting the main Pre-COP gathering and a Tuvalu day trip to show sea-level rise impacts. Regional Diplomacy & Tourism Links: Cook Islands High Commissioner Michael John Henry met Fiji’s PM in Suva, reaffirming ties and discussing trade, investment, tourism and labour mobility, with both sides flagging shared climate action and ocean priorities for Pre-COP31 (Oct 5–8). Connectivity for Travellers: Tuvalu is expanding transport and digital links, including subsidised Fiji airfares—$600 return with eight seats reserved per flight—plus improved maritime services and cheaper internet access. Air Capacity Boost: Fiji Airways will add 125,000+ seats in 2027, launching Western Sydney services and increasing flights to Hong Kong, Christchurch, Singapore and Tokyo to strengthen Nadi’s role as a hub. Tourism Resilience Message: Fiji’s tourism minister says hotels and flights remain full despite international HIV/drugs headlines, arguing Fiji is tackling issues head-on while maintaining crisis-ready planning. Climate Adaptation on the Ground: Pacific island leaders highlighted practical responses to climate and ocean challenges at the Virtual Island Summit, calling for stronger collaboration and funding to scale solutions. Health & Specialist Care: Talks between Wallis and Futuna and Pacific Specialist Healthcare in Nadi could open specialist cardiac treatment access in Fiji, reducing the need for patients to travel to Australia or India.

Heart Health & Access: A 14-year-old, Malama Iefata, returns to school after free heart surgery in Fiji following four years away, with Pacific Specialist Healthcare covering treatment and travel. Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Fiji and Tuvalu host pre-summit talks as leaders urge keeping 1.5°C within reach, with PM Matthew Wale set to visit Tuvalu to see sea-level rise impacts firsthand. Tourism Demand Holds Steady: Fiji’s tourism minister says hotels and flights are full despite international HIV/drug headlines, arguing the country is tackling issues head-on. Air Connectivity Boost: Fiji Airways will add 125,000+ seats in 2027, including new Western Sydney service and more flights to Hong Kong, Christchurch, Singapore and Tokyo. Tuvalu-Fiji Links: Tuvalu expands transport and digital connections, including subsidised Fiji airfares from $600 return and improved maritime services. Weather Services Funding Gap: Pacific meteorology faces a major funding shortfall as governments struggle to keep forecast and cyclone warning networks running. Legal Aid Fleet Upgrade: Fiji’s Legal Aid Commission buys 22 vehicles worth about $2.1m to support rapid legal assistance and rural outreach. Cruise Interest in the South Pacific: Oceania Cruises launches a 59-day Miami-to–South Pacific itinerary featuring Fiji among other stops.

Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Pacific leaders are gathering in Fiji and Tuvalu to keep 1.5°C within reach ahead of COP31, with Fiji also hosting events amplifying relocation stories from women and elders. Plastic & Ocean Action: Reverend James Bhagwan paddled around Viti Levu to spotlight single-use plastics and the climate-ocean link as global leaders arrive. Fiji Tourism Safety & Justice: Fiji police say nearly 88 pounds of cocaine stored as court evidence was stolen and swapped with flour, triggering a major investigation. HIV Crisis Spotlight: Suva’s paediatric units are seeing a worsening HIV situation, including babies infected without “risky behaviours,” as calls grow for stronger prevention and care. Travel & Family Fun: Resorts are increasingly upgrading kids’ clubs into full programs, a trend aimed at making family holidays easier. Regional Business for Visitors: Solomon Islands market vendors travel to Fiji’s expo to learn, network and bring new craft ideas home. Sports & Travel Interest: Fiji’s youth basketball team and other island contingents are gearing up for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar.

Rugby & Tourism: Fiji’s rugby calendar gets a big boost with the Rugby World Cup 2027 countdown hitting the 365-day marker, with organisers set to mark the milestone in Sydney—good news for fans planning travel well ahead. Public Health & Families: Fiji’s HIV emergency is worsening, with reports of babies and mothers paying the price as the epidemic shifts toward “generalised” transmission. Courts & Safety: Nearly 88 pounds (about 40kg) of cocaine held as evidence at Suva High Court was stolen and reportedly swapped with flour, prompting an investigation into tampering and missing exhibits. Climate & Community Stories: Fijian women preparing for Pre-COP31 in Nadi will bring relocation stories to climate ministers, while a Fijian academic urges Pacific families to record their own talanoa before memories fade. Kids & Health Awareness: WOWS Kids Fiji turned gold for childhood cancer awareness, as doctors warn many cases are still detected late. Travel Business & Access: A Westpac grant is helping a Bua farmer return to tertiary study via online classes—highlighting how education support can open doors for rural families. Regional Markets: Solomon Islands women vendors travel to Fiji to connect, learn, and trade across the Pacific.

Fiji HIV crisis: Fiji’s paediatric HIV emergency is worsening, with babies in Suva’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital facing life-or-death odds as clinicians warn the epidemic is now “generalised,” not limited to “risky behaviours.” Pacific Women Makete: At M4C Fiji Pacific Women Makete 2026 in Suva, women from Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu shared skills and built new business links through regional market exchanges. Blue Economy: A new look at the Blue Economy argues ocean growth must be measured and managed to avoid environmental harm, inequality and climate risk. Tourism & family travel: Resorts are upgrading kids’ clubs into full “resort-within-a-resort” experiences, reflecting a shift toward more active, learning-focused family holidays. Fiji drug security: Fiji police are investigating a major cocaine evidence heist in Suva, where parcels reportedly vanished from a court vault and were replaced with flour. Local transport pressure: Bus operators are urging a decision on a 22.5% fuel subsidy, warning delays and rising fuel costs could disrupt services for commuters. Marine tourism boost: Raikiwai Adventures & Transfers launched jet ski operations in Nadi, aiming to create up to 25 jobs as it expands. Sports & community: FNU students turned a Mount Korobaba photography assignment into a conservation push by planting coconut trees and installing anti-litter signs.

Court Security Breach: Fiji police are investigating after nearly 40kg of cocaine held as court evidence in Suva was stolen and replaced with flour, with officials finding tampering across two cases and launching urgent inquiries into people with access to the High Court registry. Transport & Cost Pressure: Fiji bus operators are demanding a decision on a 22.5% fuel subsidy, warning delays and an expected fuel price rise from Oct 1 could force service cuts for commuters. Tourism Awards: Kimaya Fiji Group celebrates five World Travel Awards, including Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa and Yatule Resort & Spa wins, plus Tour Managers Fiji retaining its top title—alongside a $5m renovation plan. Local Tourism Growth: Raikiwai Adventures & Transfers has launched jet ski operations in Nadi, aiming to create up to 25 jobs while stressing safety and environmental responsibility. Pre-COP31 Focus: Fiji’s environment ministry is keeping the names of visiting leaders under tight security as Pre-COP31 runs Oct 5–8 in Nadi and Tuvalu. Sustainability on the Ground: Reverend James Bhagwan paddled around Viti Levu to spotlight single-use plastic and climate risks ahead of Pre-COP31.

World Travel Awards (Pacific): The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, beating Fiji and other Pacific rivals. Conservation & Tourism Education: Fiji National University students turned a Mount Korobaba photo assignment into action, planting coconut trees and installing anti-litter signs along the popular hiking trail. Luxury Stays (Fiji): InterContinental Fiji’s Natadola Suite won Fiji’s Leading Hotel Suite 2026 for a sixth time at the World Travel Awards, reinforcing Fiji’s high-end appeal. Marine Tourism (Nadi): Raikiwai Adventures & Transfers launched jet ski operations at Wailoaloa, Nadi, aiming to create up to 25 jobs as it expands. Health & Travel Community Link: An Auckland volunteer group launched a World Heart Day appeal to support Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital in Suva, providing free cardiac care for Pacific patients. Sports & Local Events: The FMF IDC torch relay kicks off next week across Viti Levu before arriving in Suva for the official opening. Pre-COP31 (Nadi/Tuvalu): Fiji’s environment ministry declined to name visiting leaders for Pre-COP31, citing security protocols.

Tourism & Hospitality Awards: Kimaya Fiji Group won five World Travel Awards (including Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa and Yatule Resort & Spa) and says it will invest $5M in a Hideaway renovation. Luxury Stays: InterContinental Fiji’s Natadola Suite was named Fiji’s Leading Hotel Suite for the sixth time at the World Travel Awards. Marine Tourism: Raikiwai Adventures & Transfers launched jet ski operations in Wailoaloa, Nadi, aiming to create up to 25 jobs and urging strong safety and environmental standards. Accessible Travel: Fiji upgrades beaches for accessible tourism, pushing the country’s tourism sector to better include visitors with mobility needs. Health for Travellers & Families: An Auckland volunteer group launched a World Heart Day appeal to support Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital in Suva, which provides free cardiac care to Pacific patients. Pre-COP31 in Fiji: Fiji’s environment ministry won’t release the names of visiting world leaders for Pre-COP31 in Nadi and Tuvalu, citing security protocols. Local Travel Disruption: Taveuni residents report delays in water carting, forcing families to travel 10km for water and increasing bottled-water costs.

World Travel Awards & Fiji tourism upgrades: Kimaya Fiji Group says Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa and Yatule Resort & Spa have won multiple 2026 World Travel Awards, while Tour Managers Fiji retained its top operator title—plus more than $5m is earmarked for a major Hideaway renovation. Climate & sea-level diplomacy: Fiji’s UN push highlights new legal and financial protections as rising seas threaten islands’ identity and livelihoods, with Fiji officials urging the world to slow down on deep-sea and climate risks. Accessible luxury spotlight: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa’s Natadola Suite has been named Fiji’s Leading Hotel Suite for the sixth time at the World Travel Awards. Travel planning & visas: The UK has published a list of 45 countries whose citizens need visas even for landside transit, including Fiji—an important heads-up for travellers connecting via the UK. Pacific research voyage: CSIRO will lead a major ocean and climate science trip from Fiji to Antarctica, supporting pre-COP discussions and marine protection efforts. Fiji Airways in the spotlight: Fiji Airways is reinstating direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, adding another option for regional travellers. Waste & coastal pressure: Plastic waste found at every stop during Paddle of Hope is being framed as proof Fiji needs system-wide waste fixes, not just clean-ups.

Luxury Hotels & Awards: InterContinental Fiji’s Natadola Suite has been named Fiji’s Leading Hotel Suite for a sixth time at the 2026 World Travel Awards, cementing the resort’s top-tier luxury draw. Waste & Coastal Impacts: Plastic waste found at every stop during Paddle of Hope is being flagged as proof Fiji’s waste crisis can’t be fixed by clean-ups alone, with calls for a full system covering collection, recovery, recycling and disposal. Climate & Culture at Risk: Fiji’s UN ambassador warns rising seas threaten more than shorelines—exposing graves, saltwater intrusion and the deeper loss of vanua identity. Court Watch: A judge in Lautoka warned murder accused supporters over alleged witness interference after death threats were raised ahead of bail hearings. Travel & Community Services: A new Nakasi Immigration Office opens to bring passport and citizenship services closer to people along the Nausori–Suva corridor. Tourism & Safety Notes: Fiji Airways has reinstated direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, while taxi fare review work nears completion and operators are urged to wait before meter recalibration. Local Life: Lautoka volunteers clean Queens Road to protect a key tourist gateway, and Taveuni residents report ongoing water cart delays forcing families to travel for supplies.

Pacific Research Voyage: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research trip aboard RV Investigator, departing from Fiji and running Sept–Dec 2026, with Pacific researchers onboard to track how warming and El Niño are reshaping marine life and fisheries. Pre-COP Focus: The voyage comes as Fiji prepares to host the pre-COP ministerial meeting Oct 5–8, underlining the region’s climate-and-ocean priorities. Tourism & Access: Fiji’s new Nakasi Immigration Office opens to bring passport and citizenship services closer for people along the Suva–Nausori corridor, easing travel admin for visitors and residents. Local Travel Disruption: Taveuni residents report ongoing water-cart delays, forcing families to travel about 10km for washing and relying on pricier bottled water. Health & Mobility: Pacific Specialist Healthcare says hip and knee replacements are increasingly needed for younger Fijians due to obesity, sports injuries and road crashes—relevant for travellers planning active itineraries. Road & Safety Learning: A Solomon Islands delegation visits Fiji to learn safer vehicle management and road maintenance systems. Visa Tips: Guides for Bangladeshi travellers highlight that “visa-free” can include conditions and different entry types, with Fiji listed as allowing up to 120 days with an arrival visit permit. Fijian Sports Travel Moment: Fiji’s Bula Boys players in Suva stopped an alleged theft from a hotel manager’s vehicle, showing teamwork off the pitch.

Pacific Ocean & climate science: CSIRO will lead a major RV Investigator voyage from Fiji to Antarctica (Sept–Dec), with Pacific researchers onboard to track ocean and atmosphere change and support Fiji’s pre-COP meeting (Oct 5–8). Health & tourism safety: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency as cases surge, with officials warning of a fast-growing epidemic linked to crystal meth use. Transport & visitor access: Fiji Airways has resumed direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, reconnecting the routes for travellers. Local travel disruptions: Taveuni residents say water carting delays are forcing families to travel 10km for supplies, while Suva’s Bula Boys stepped in after a hotel vehicle window was smashed. Infrastructure & services: A new Nakasi Immigration Office opens to bring passport and citizenship services closer to people along the Suva–Nausori corridor. Cost-of-living travel hit: Fiji inflation rose to 7.6% in August, and the FCCC is nearing completion of its taxi fare adjustment review, advising operators to wait before recalibrating meters. Tourism spotlight: InterContinental Fiji was named Fiji’s Best Resort Spa 2026, and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is highlighted as a luxury escape beyond the brochures.

Public Health & Travel Safety: A strong sewage stench along Tomanu Road, Nadera, has residents worried after a burst sewer line reportedly sent sewage into a roadside drain; Nasinu Town Council says it’s referring the issue back to the Water Authority of Fiji for reconfirmation and repair. HIV & Community Impact: Fiji’s HIV epidemic is surging alongside crystal meth use, with the government declaring a national emergency and health officials citing 1 in 60 adults living with HIV—an urgent backdrop for visitors and locals alike. Tourism, Flights & Access: Fiji Airways’ direct Nadi–Nouméa services have resumed, while Fiji’s growing connectivity also includes a new Nakasi Immigration Office opening to make passport and citizenship services easier for people along the Suva–Nausori corridor. Transport Costs: The FCCC says its taxi fare review is nearing completion and urges operators to wait before recalibrating meters; airport taxi operators are pushing for higher fares. Environment & Responsible Travel: Paddle of Hope found plastic waste at every coastal stop around Viti Levu, calling for better disposal habits. Business & Tourism Economy: RB Patel Group reports $13.3m net profit and notes tourism growth supporting Fiji’s recovery, even as inflation climbs to 7.6%.

Skills Recognition: Fiji’s Higher Education Commission is developing a Recognition of Prior Learning system so experienced workers can get skills assessed and recognised without years of formal study, with a focus on rural micro-qualifications. Tourism & Transport: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission says its review of the temporary taxi fare adjustment is in the final stage and urges operators to wait before recalibrating meters as the expiry nears. Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways has relaunched direct Nadi–Nouméa flights (bi-weekly), boosting regional travel and tourism capacity after unrest-related disruption. Cost of Living: Fiji inflation jumped to 7.6% in August, driven by higher food, energy and kava prices, while the RBF kept the policy rate at 0.25%. Jobs & Youth: The National Federation Party calls for clearer education-to-employment pathways, more secure jobs, and growth beyond tourism. Pacific Research: Australia’s RV Investigator returns to Pacific study sites from Fiji, tracking ocean and climate changes important to fisheries. Food & Travel Appeal: Vasaqa Fiji marks four years with a new festive menu of smoked meats and island-inspired dishes.

Tourism & Accessibility: Fiji’s tourism sector is rolling out beach access mats and carbon-fiber wheelchairs for ocean experiences, helping visitors with mobility challenges reach spots like the Mamanuca sandbanks. Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways has relaunched its direct Nadi–Nouméa service (bi-weekly), adding over 10,000 seats annually and eyeing a third weekly flight from 13 December 2026 if demand holds. Inflation Watch: Fiji inflation jumped to 7.6% in August, driven by higher food, energy and kava prices; the RBF kept the policy rate at 0.25% and expects inflation to stay above 6% through year-end. Getting Around Costs: The Nadi International Airport Taxi Association is pushing for a fare review, proposing a rise up to $3 per kilometre as it argues airport taxi operating costs are higher. Local Travel Services: A new Nakasi Immigration Office opens to bring passport and citizenship services closer for people along the Suva–Nausori corridor. Budget Travel Angle: With cost-of-living pressure, cruise options are being pitched as a way to bundle accommodation, meals and entertainment into one upfront fare.