Tourism growth in Fiji

Fiji's tourism industry has seen significant growth, with 982,938 international visitors arriving by air in 2025, including 6,561 French visitors. An additional 70,000 cruise passengers have been added to the numbers, and the industry is expected to grow further in the coming years.

Fiji's global recognition

The Fiji Islands have been classified by National Geographic among the 25 must-see destinations ("Best of the Worlds") of the planet. Tourism represents 40% of economic activity and nearly one in three jobs in the archipelago.

Digital promotion of Fiji

The visibility of the Fiji Islands has been enhanced through digital platforms of Tourism Fiji whose promotional videos have had much success. The archipelago, composed of 333 islands, has a population of 940,000 inhabitants in 2024, with about a third of the islands inhabited.

Key islands and their features

The largest island, Viti Levu, is the economic heart of the country, with nearly three-quarters of the population living there. Suva, the capital, is located on the southeast coast, while Nadi, the main international gateway, is on the opposite side.

Diverse island experiences

Denarau Island on the west coast hosts the main luxury resorts and serves as the starting point for the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Vanua Levu, the second largest island, is wilder and less frequented, offering a chance to experience the Fijian way of life by meeting local communities.

Natural beauty of Taveuni and Kadavu

Taveuni, the third largest island, nicknamed "the garden island," is a paradise for nature lovers. Kadavu, the fourth largest island, attracts with its traditional villages, tropical forests, and the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest coral reefs in the world.

Unique attractions in Mamanuca and Lau

The Mamanucas and Yasawas are known for their natural beauty and unique attractions. The Lau Group, located at the extreme east of the archipelago, consists of sixty islands and islets, of which only half are inhabited, and is the most authentic and least visited of the archipelago.

Cultural diversity and values

Fiji is a multicultural society with the iTaukei (indigenous Fijians) making up 57% of the population, alongside Indo-Fijians, Chinese, and European communities. The local culture is based on strong values such as respect, sharing, family, and community, with the "elders" playing an important role in the transmission of knowledge.

Hospitality and natural attractions

The kindness of the Fijians is a strong point of a stay in Fiji, according to Thomas Compagnès and Gérard Carnot. The Fiji Islands offer a combination of experiences, including postcard beaches such as Natadola Beach on Viti Levu and Monuriki Island Beach in the Mamanucas, which is the beach of the movie Cast Away.

Marine and adventure opportunities

The archipelago is renowned for its rich marine environments, offering opportunities to explore coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and observe manta rays, turtles, dolphins, sharks, and, depending on the season, humpback whales. Scuba diving experiences are available at sites such as Great Astrolabe Reef, Rainbow Reef, Bligh Waters, or Kavadu.

Surfing and nature exploration

The Mamanucas are a world-class surfing destination, with the legendary Cloudbreak attracting the best surfers in the world during the austral winter. The tropical landscapes and wild nature of the Fiji Islands are conducive to unexpected discoveries on foot or by kayak, with hikers finding their happiness in the dunes of Sigatoka or on Taveuni where the Bouma National Park houses emblematic attractions.

Adventure activities and local cuisine

Thrill-seekers can raft down the Upper Navua River or fly over the forest on a zipline. The gastronomy of Fiji reflects the cultural influences, with traditional iTaukei dishes such as "Kokoda" accompanied by spicy Indian curries and Chinese stir-fried dishes.

Accommodation and sustainability

The accommodation options in Fiji are numerous and varied, ranging from hostels and small cottages to five-star tourist complexes and ultra-luxurious private island hotels. Some of the most beautiful hotels include the Likuliku Lagoon Resort, the Six Senses Fiji, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, and the Shangri-La Yanuca Island Resort.

Environmental and community focus

The Fiji Islands have put in place a ten-year strategic plan (National Sustainable Tourism Framework) to develop tourism while preserving the environment and improving the living conditions of the local population. This plan includes reduction of single-use plastics, extensive network of protected marine areas, coral reef restoration programs, and support for low-impact nature tourism and community tourism in villages.

Travel practicalities

The time difference between France and the Fiji Islands is + 11h in winter and + 10h in summer. To call the Fiji Islands from France, dial 00 + 679 + your recipient's number. A passport valid for at least six months after the return date is necessary, but no visa is required for a tourist stay of less than four months for French citizens.

Health and travel tips

No vaccine is required, but it is strongly recommended to be up to date with vaccinations. The local currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD or FJ$) worth 0.39€. English is one of the official languages and will be very useful to communicate in hotels, restaurants, airports, shops, and with tourist service providers.

Best time to visit

The ideal season to visit the Fiji Islands is generally from May to October, which is the driest and most pleasant time to enjoy the beaches, boat excursions, and hiking. The Fiji Islands are a safe country, and women can travel there alone without difficulty.