Whether you’re searching for the ultimate adventure or the ultimate relaxing holiday getaway, Fiji has something for every traveller.

Monday 27th September, 2021

Longing for a return to the freedom of pre-pandemic travel and a revitalisation of the tourism industry has been building steadily during the long months since lockdowns were imposed and international borders closed.

With the national vaccination target of 80% set to be reached in the near future, Fijians are looking forward to increased freedom to travel domestically and for international borders to reopen.

With the tourism industry accounting for almost 40% of national GDP, many thousands of hotel, airline, resort and hospitality workers are banking on a swift return to the status quo.

World Tourism Day was celebrated on September 27, providing an opportunity for many Fijians - those who work in the tourism industry and those who simply love to travel - to reflect on what it is that makes Fiji so special.

We spoke with Antonio Kitione, Vodafone Fiji’s Head of Enterprise Development, and Zoya Begum, Travel Blogger, to gain some insights on Fiji’s tourism industry as well as some tips for travellers visiting from abroad.

“Nadi is a favourite location for travellers arriving in Fiji as it is the principal port for air entry and most accessible city for international visitors,” explained Zoya.

“It’s also a well located for visitors looking to visit popular tourist locations including Denarau Island and the Coral Coast.”

Zoya added that while travel around Fiji had been restricted in recent months due to lockdowns, her most recent memorable trip was to the Marriott Resort on the Coral Coast.

“Denarau Island is an important location for many visitors as this is where cruises depart the mainland visiting the nearby islands,” added Antonio.

Island hopping is central to the Fijian travel experience, with many international visitors viewing Fiji as ‘the land of endless tropical islands’.

Antonio explained that Denarau Island was a key location on many traveller’s itineraries, not only for the plethora of luxurious world-class resorts, including the Radisson Blu Resort, The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Gold & Beach Resort and Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa, but because it’s the gateway to Fiji’s outer islands, which travellers come from around the world to visit.

Port Denarau is equipped with a huge marina and is serviced by a number of cruises companies that ply the famous Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains.

Zoya added that although Nadi was the primary point of entry and departure for many overseas visitors, the capital Suva was certainly worth visiting also.

While in Suva, Zoya recommends a visit to The Fiji Museum, located in Thurston Gardens. The museum includes archaeological material dating back 3,700 years and cultural objects representing Fiji’s original inhabitants as well as other communities that have settled over the past two centuries.

A stay at the Grand Pacific Hotel is like taking a trip back through more than a century of Fiji’s history. The historic hotel stands on the main sea front on Victoria Parade and was built in 1914.

While staying in Suva, Antonio recommends taking a day trip to Pacific Harbour, just an hour down the coast, to witness the famous shark feeding, or perhaps jump in for a shark dive, if you dare…

Beqa Adventure Divers are a highly experienced operation that allow guests to witness several species of reef sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks feeding up close. An absolutely exhilarating experience!

Antonio mentioned that many hotels and resorts would not have had any guests for the past year or so, due to travel restrictions, so noted that it’s important for visitors to access up to date information about any locations they plan on visiting.

While many resorts and hotels will be welcoming back visitors with the usual Fijian hospitality, it’s possible that some locations will be closed or require maintenance.