According to data collated by ForwardKeys, the number of international tourist arrivals in Fiji is expected to rise significantly in the second half of the year, with a spike in airline seat capacity.

The Pacific Island destination of Fiji is showing some strong improvements in flight capacity in the second half of 2023. Airlines are fuelling capacity to Fiji, with flights operating on a 7-day basis jumping from 1 pc of the total in 2019 to 16 pc in 2023, says a report by ForwardKeys, an international aviation data consultancy.

In a press statement, ForwardKeys says that new flight connectivity has opened the skies with the United States and Canada, with travellers also using Nadi Airport as a vital hub for long-haul flights into the Pacific region.

‘‘The top markets connected with Fiji are Australia, which has risen by 18 pc, New Zealand by 11 pc, United States that is up by 40 pc, while the Pacific Ocean islands of Tonga, that has risen 42 pc, while Samoa has jumped by 67 pc. They are all experiencing growth and there is a new connection with Canada,’’ says Juan A Garcia Gomez, Head of Market Intelligence at ForwardKeys.

‘‘This is having a positive impact on both passengers arriving and transferring through Fiji, with stays up by 11 pc in the second half of 2023, based on tickets as of 4 July and transfers up by 92 pc, vs 2019 levels. Transiting passengers has increased from 23 pc to 34 pc of the total, with Fiji being used for connecting intraregional destinations and connecting the Pacific region with US and Canada more than ever before. Such exciting times for new business in the region,’’ he adds.