Experience the tropical paradise of Fiji, with 333 idyllic islands scattered in the Pacific, including the popular Mamanuca and Denarau Islands. Known for its year-round tropical climate and stunning landscapes, Fiji has become a popular tourist destination. The country is renowned for its soft coral diving, earning the title of “soft coral capital of the world.” In addition to cruising and scuba diving, weddings and honeymoons are also popular, with a plethora of resorts, five-star hotels, and affordable hostels. Visitors from around the world flock to Fiji to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty and rich culture. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Fiji is a top choice for travelers seeking a tropical escape.
Tourists to Fiji By Country of Origin
Australia and New Zealand
Australia is Fiji’s largest market for tourism, with 337,291 Australians visiting Fiji in 2012 and 367,273 in 2015. New Zealand is also a significant contributor to Fiji’s tourism, with 106,122 visitors arriving in 2012 and 138,537 in 2015. Direct flights from major Australian cities like Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne to Nadi and Suva in Fiji are provided by Fiji Airways, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas, making it easy for Aussies and Kiwis to visit Fiji’s resorts and tourist areas.
United States
Tourists from the US qualify for a visitor permit which is valid for four months, and they are not required to get a visa in advance. There is a direct flight between Fiji and Los Angeles operated by Air Pacific, making Fiji a convenient stopover for tourists from the west coast of the United States en route to New Zealand or Australia.
Pacific Islands
Fiji Airways operates flights to several Pacific Island countries, including Kiribati, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and Hawaii. Air Niugini flies to Fiji from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea while Air Vanuatu, Solomon Airlines, and Aircalin also fly to the country. Fiji’s medical tourism industry is also growing, with the Sahyadri Specialty Pacific Hospital bringing in specialists from India to perform procedures like spinal surgeries, open heart surgeries, and neurosurgeries.
China
China has become an increasingly important market for Fiji’s tourism, with 26,395 Chinese tourists visiting in 2012 and 40,174 in 2015. Fiji has been actively targeting affluent Chinese travelers and has even launched a Chinese travel guidebook and issued a visa waiver for Chinese visitors.
Future Prospects
Fiji has set a goal to achieve a $2.2 billion tourism industry by 2020. To achieve this, Fiji’s tourism sector has been actively marketing its destinations and experiences to attract more visitors. The country is also focused on strengthening existing partnerships with tourism stakeholders while forging new ones to expand its reach. Fiji is committed to developing a sustainable tourism sector by implementing environmentally-friendly initiatives to ensure the preservation of its natural beauty for future generations. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Fiji is well-positioned to become a top tourist destination in the Pacific.
Tourists to Fiji By Country of Origin
Fiji is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. In 2015, the top 10 countries of origin for tourists to Fiji were:
Australia: 367,273 visitors
New Zealand: 138,537 visitors
United States: 67,831 visitors
Pacific Islands: 48,570 visitors
China: 40,174 visitors
Continental Europe: 31,195 visitors
United Kingdom: 16,716 visitors
Canada: 11,709 visitors
Other Asian countries: 10,371 visitors
Japan: 6,092 visitors
Fiji’s tourism industry has been growing steadily, and the country has set a goal of achieving a $2.2 billion tourism industry by 2020. With its beautiful tropical islands, soft coral diving, and a range of activities and attractions, Fiji is sure to continue to be a popular destination for travelers from around the world.