Bose Vavataga 
[Photo: Bose Vavataga]
Fiji is looking to revive its wedding tourism market, which has received less attention since borders reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism Fiji plans to appoint a dedicated weddings and honeymoons officer from February next year to rebuild the sector.
Chief Executive Dr. Paresh Pant says wedding tourism was once the country’s third-largest segment and could attract 60,000 to 70,000 international visitors annually, mainly from Australia and New Zealand.
Dr. Pant says the industry needs renewed focus, as limited statistics currently exist to measure its performance.
He adds that Fiji’s hospitality and warmth remain its biggest strengths in attracting overseas couples.
“We sell ourselves as Fiji where happiness comes naturally. It’s in our DNA of our people. And that extends to every other thing that we do, including weddings and honeymoon.
The ability of the wonderful wedding coordinators, the ability of singing choirs, whatever the theme of the wedding is.”
Dr. Pant says Tourism Fiji also plans to include wedding planners in its Fiji Matai Travel Agent Specialist Programme, giving them access to information on organising events locally.
The organisation wants to simplify marriage registration by working with resorts and coordinators to help couples avoid delays and streamline planning.
He adds that Tourism Fiji aims to partner with Fiji Airways and planners to bring back personalised services for couples and guests.
The Weddings Expo is currently underway at Crowne Plaza Fiji, bringing together planners, decorators, beauty specialists, and other industry providers.
