Visitor arrivals to the Pacific has grown drastically over the last decade.

Tourism stakeholders believe Fiji and the Pacific still have the capacity to cater for the demand.

South Pacific Tourism Organization, Chief Executive, Christopher Cocker says visitor arrivals for Fiji in 2011 account for 1.6 million.

He adds that by 2016 it was at 2 million adding this growth is sustainable and one that is manageable.

“It’s growing at about three to four percent and I think it’s a blessing because it is a sustainable growth – we haven’t reached the point of mass tourism that we have closed our doors.”

Cocker says the Pacific Island States, particularly Fiji has been able to cater for tourists due to its targeted market.

“We also have to be very careful as who we select as our tourist, that is why for the rest of the Pacific – it is safe and better to look as niche tourism because we can’t compete in mass tourism like what is happening in Hawaii and Indonesia.”

SPTO highlighted that apart from Fiji, the Cook Islands is also roping in big visitor arrivals.