520,312 Visitor Arrivals Since December 1, 2021

Tourism Fiji chief executive officer, Brent Hill, yesterday revealed visitor arrivals stood at 520,312.

This after the reopening of Fiji’s international border took place exactly a year ago.

These numbers are evident of its successful campaign, Open for Happiness, which it launched last year.

“The numbers average to 65 per cent of visitor arrivals pre-COVID pandemic levels,” Mr Hill said.

“It is a milestone achievement as to how Fiji has made a comeback, and how our reopening was a success throughout despite the threats of other variants of COVID-19.

“We have lifted satisfaction rates from 89 per cent to 93 per cent, hosted numerous sports and business events as well as won several accolades for our promotion and Fiji as a destination.

“Since the beginning of the year, we’ve had a total of 497,086 visitors.

“This is 66.1 per cent of arrivals in the same period of 2019.

“The last 4-6 months have been particularly busy with the IVS data showing that people coming for ‘holiday’ reasons are now matching 2019 peak levels.

“Hence, we are on track to exceed our tourist visitor arrivals forecast for 2022, that is - 581,353, should we continue with the same trend.”

Year 2023

“Fiji is prepared for a bigger 2023 as there are more than a dozen developments (new and old) that will offer more in the market.

“So, pack your bags because Fiji is where you want to be next!”

In light of this achievement, Fiji Airways will host tourism stakeholders at the Nadi International Airport’s Flying Fijians Lounge. Celebrations will continue tomorrow night when Tourism Fiji hosts its cocktail event, sponsored by Lyre, at Port Denarau Marina.

Vancouver destination

Meanwhile, Fiji Airways began the first of its flights to Vancounver, British Columbia in Canada, last Friday.

The flight returned with an 80 per cent passenger capacity.

This is the beginning of the twoweekly flights to the city in North America.