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Fiji recorded its strongest March visitor arrivals on record in 2026, welcoming 71,765 visitors, including 12,483 from New Zealand.
According to Tourism Fiji, New Zealand arrivals were up 15 per cent on March last year, outpacing Fiji’s overall March growth of 12 per cent.
Tourism Fiji says the result reinforces New Zealand’s position as one of the destination’s core visitor markets.
Across the first quarter of 2026, Fiji welcomed 196,977 visitors, up 7 per cent year-on-year.
Winter travel period ahead
Tourism Fiji says the March result comes as the destination moves into the key winter booking period with stable operating conditions.
The organisation says fuel supply remains steady, forward demand indicators are stable over the next three to six months, and airline capacity from New Zealand is increasing.
Weekly seat capacity on the Auckland to Nadi route is scheduled to rise from 6,515 seats in May to 8,768 in July.
Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Dr Paresh Pant says New Zealand remains an important market.
“New Zealand is a key market for Fiji, and a 15 per cent increase in March is a strong result.
“It reflects continued demand from Kiwi travellers and provides a solid lead-in to the winter travel period.”
Digital demand strengthens
Tourism Fiji says digital demand from New Zealand has also increased, with year-to-date website traffic up 40 per cent on the same period last year, alongside stronger booking referrals.
The organisation says forward booking trends are tracking in line with last year’s peak season.
Investment pipeline grows
Tourism Fiji says new tourism developments include additional bures and wellness facilities at Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, a 16-room expansion at Beachcomber Island Resort, a new accommodation wing at Fiji Gateway Hotel, and a second vessel for Blue Lagoon Cruises through South Sea Cruises Group.
Fiji will also host the CIDESCO International World Congress in August, bringing global wellness leaders to the destination for the first time.
