Fiji Tourism

Due to close proximity the islands are especially favoured by Australians and New-Zealanders. Fiji day tours are pretty much on their leisure agenda. The number of visitors is on a rise each year. If only 290,000 tourists went to Fiji around the turn of the century, eight years has been enough to increase the total visitor count to 585,000. Not bad at all for a country with population of 849,000.

It is estimated that before 2020 the country will welcome at least one million visitors a year. This will put a huge strain on the government and local people.

Back in 2003 WWF (World Wildlife Fund) in collaboration with the local tourism board announced a Sustainable Tourism plan for Fiji. It was needed to harness the booming industry and make sure the ever increasing number of scuba divers and shark hunters don't damage the subtle environment of the islands. The plan doesn't mean Fiji is less fun now; just the opposite - with more eco-tours and guided walks it has attracted people who usually chose different locations.

It also enhances the landscaping of some towns and villages and strengthens friendship among people of other backgrounds. However, the locals know that tourism may also account for over-fishing, cutting trees, damaging reefs and commercialization of the ethnic culture. The new WWF plan makes sure these issues are properly addressed. Fiji has a unique ecosystem and there are many plants and animals to be protected.