Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka is expected to meet hoteliers and resort management to discuss high prices of accommodation and meals.
This year would bring a fight for visitors by tourist destinations, he told Nadi Chamber of Commerce.
Competition for the tourist dollar would be stiff with destinations who were late in opening up after the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
Nadi Chamber of Commerce member Anita Narayan has seen a number of tourists buying food and bread from shops in Nadi.
She said the high prices being charged at Fiji’s major resorts may drive tourists away.
Nadi Chamber of Commerce want solutions to the high price of accommodation and meals at Fiji hotels and resorts.
More tourists had turned to Sri Lanka and Bali as it was much cheaper tourist destination.
Meanwhile Mr Gavoka said Fiji’s economy recovered remarkably and was back to 2019 level with 3.4 per cent growth forecast for 2024.
Mr Gavoka said this showed the resilience and adaptability of Fiji’s economy and this has been supported by the strong recovery of the tourism industry.
“Last year we received in access of 930,000 arrivals surpassing the 2019 level by four percent and 2018 by 46 per cent.
“This year we can expect one million visitors.”
He said Denarau Island accounted for 40 per cent of the 2023 arrival figure.
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