The roadshow started in Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch on Wednesday, included a wholesaler function at Tyler Street Garage in Auckland last night and continues today with agent business sessions at Pullman Auckland.
Both agents and suppliers at the event remain concerned not so much about the tax –which is planned go into effect on 1 September – but the uncertainty around it. This confusion applies particularly to existing bookings, which hotels and other suppliers (with an annual turnover of F$2 million) will be obliged to either absorb or pass onto guests after they arrive.
Suppliers at the roadshow say they have already implemented price rises for new bookings and some say they will bear the cost of the excise on existing business while others note that would be too much of a burden. While it is generally accepted by plant that it would be unreasonable to expect wholesalers to go back to pre-booked clients and impose a price hike to cover the tax, they are appreciative of agents informing their clients that the 5% tax will be added to their bill.
A number of resort reps say their properties will have signage informing arriving guests of the tax. ‘We want to make it easier on the staff if we can,’ one rep adds.
The proceeds of the tax are earmarked to go towards Fiji Airways.
The development comes against a generally positive outlook for Fiji – a particularly pleasing performance last month out of New Zealand, strong forward bookings reported by hotels and resorts, and significant new openings and refurbishments.
Overall enthusiasm was shown by trade this week, with 50 agents attending the Te Pae Christchurch event and some 120 registered for tomorrow.
Sonya Lawson, regional director New Zealand for Tourism Fiji, says July 2026 was 12% up on the same month last year – representing an additional 3119 arrivals. ‘In July, New Zealand represented 27% of all visitor arrivals into Fiji,’ Lawson adds.
She says New Zealand agents and their clients are getting the message that they need to book well in advance to secure the holiday accommodation they desire.
‘In the past we were hearing it was a challenge to find accommodation but I think people are now booking ahead for that high demand period.’
At Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch for the Fiji Roadshow on Wednesday.. Sonya Lawson, Tourism Fiji; Sandi Reily, Volivoli Beach Resort; Melanie Peacock, Stellar Cruise and Travel; Maria Leung, Travel Advocates
Brittany Homan, Fiji Airways; Donna Kelly, Manase Travel Studio; Georgie Olive, xtravel; Ben Johnson, Outrigger and Castaway; warrior Henry Steele
Down from the Capital… Ariana Kooge and Angela McNeill, both House of Travel Wellington City; with James Leslie, Tourism Fiji
Catching up over drinks after a day of business at Te Pae Christchurch…. Maia Holdem, House of Travel Northlink; Wayne Deed, Musket Cover; Hollie Turner, By Your Side Travel
Lauren Mossop (centre), Waya Island Resort; with Caitlin Lennon and Holly Skene, both World Travellers Riccarton
Adrienne Cody, House of Travel Ferrymead; Stacey Mullinger, House of Travel Northlands; Jamie Campbell, House iof Travel High Street Lanes
