Speaking at the Fiji Tourism Exchange (FTE) 2026, Pant (pictured) said he wants to take the numbers and offerings in places such as Denerau Island and the Coral Coast to other areas, where he hopes to “bring in a greater sense of tourism inclusivity across [all of Fiji’s] communities”.
Representing northern Fiji at FTE, Lara Vokai said that the key to grow tourism in her region was through better connectivity.
“We would love to see better roads so that small corporations…can set up tours right from their village,” she said.
“[It would be good for tourism businesses] not to have to try and get to town to do something, instead they can do it right from their doorstep, but they just need access,” Vokai added.
Vokai also confirmed to travelBulletin’s sister publication Travel Daily that the local tourism board in northern Fiji recently met with Fiji Airways to look at expanding flight volume and capacity to the region with the carrier’s ATR aircraft.
Meanwhile, Fiji Airways CEO and MD Paul Scurrah AM told TD that the ATR aircraft have been pivotal to date in the regional disbursement of travellers, as well as providing essential services to these areas, stating it will “support the outer islands when it comes to their tourism aspirations” and open up other Pacific Island markets.
Over in the Yasawa Islands, local authorities confirmed the commencement of the Nacula District Development Plan.
This involves promoting the islands as a hub for sustainable tourism, with the local government partnering with tourism operators and corporations to support projects like reforestation, marine conservation, clean energy and better water systems.
Yasawas’ FTE representative and former leader of the Nacula District, Lavenia Naivalu, said it was not about selling accommodation but “rather [about] the experience that we are selling”.
“The Yasawas efforts show that protecting nature and culture makes tourism stronger”.
“Healthy reefs, clean beaches promote a powerful and positive story of Fiji as a prime tourist destination,” Naivalu explained.
The first stages of the project commenced this week.
