WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Fiji

Location

Climate

Fiji, in the South Pacific Ocean, is a tropical paradise that attracts thousands of visitors every year. To make the most of your stay in this archipelago of over 300 islands, it's essential to choose the right time to go.

Major cultural events in Fiji

Fijian culture is rich and diverse, and many cultural events take place throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular events:

• Hibiscus Festival Fiji Flower Festival: held in August, this week-long festival celebrates Fiji's iconic flower and features a variety of activities, including beauty contests, musical performances, art exhibitions and traditional food stalls.
• National Sports Day in Fiji Fiji Day: held in June or July, this day is an opportunity for Fijians to take part in sporting competitions and celebrate their passion for sport.
• Diwali Hindu festival of lights: usually celebrated in October or November, this Hindu festival of lights is marked by fireworks, dances and processions.
• Nadi Bula Carnival Nadi Carnival: held in July, this annual carnival in Nadi features parades, live music and entertainment for children.

Other interesting cultural events

Other lesser-known but equally exciting events also take place in Fiji. These include:

1. THE Suva Arts Festivalwhich takes place in June and showcases local talent in the fields of art, music and theater.
2. There Independence Daycelebrated on October 10, when Fijians commemorate their independence in 1970.

Public holidays in Fiji

In addition to major cultural events, it's important to take public holidays into account when planning your trip to Fiji. Here are the country's main public holidays:

• New Year Fiji: On January 1, Fijians celebrate the start of the New Year with fireworks and festivities.
• Workers' Day Celebrated on the first Monday in March, this public holiday pays tribute to the country's workers.
• Good Friday and Easter Monday These two Christian holidays are celebrated in April with religious services and traditional meals.
• The Queen's birthday Fiji Day: held on the second Monday in June, this public holiday celebrates the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, Fiji's Head of State.
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day Fiji's two public holidays, December 25 and 26, are an opportunity for Fijians to spend time with their families and share festive meals.

Low and high season in Fiji

As Fiji's climate is tropical, the year is divided into two main seasons: dry and wet. Each of these seasons has its advantages and disadvantages for travellers:

Dry season (May to October)

The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit Fiji. Temperatures are cooler and rainfall less frequent, making the weather ideal for enjoying beaches and outdoor activities. However, this period also corresponds to the peak tourist season, which means that prices for accommodation and activities can be higher.

Wet season (November to April)

The wet season is characterized by higher temperatures and frequent rainfall. This period can also present a risk of cyclones, although these are generally rare. By contrast, the low tourist season offers more affordable accommodation and activities. What's more, nature is particularly lush during this period, which can be an attraction for lovers of verdant landscapes.

The South Pacific island nation of Fiji is a popular destination for its natural beauty, heavenly beaches and tropical climate. As such, it attracts large numbers of tourists and potential immigrants every year.

Fiji arrivals: sustained growth in international tourism

According to the Fiji Tourism Authority (Fiji Tourism Authority), the number of international arrivals has risen steadily in recent years. In 2019, there were almost 894,000 international arrivals, up 3 % on 2018.

• Australians 365,000 visitors in 2019
• New Zealand over 205,000 visitors in 2019
• Americans: nearly 90,000 visitors in 2019
• Europeans: around 65,000 visitors in 2019

This growth in tourism is due in part to the diversification of source markets and the intensification of international tourism promotion efforts.

Main visa requirements in Fiji

In Fiji, visas are classified into several categories according to the reason for stay and the duration of immigration. The main visa categories include :

• Visitor's Permit This visa is granted for a maximum period of 4 months, and can be extended up to 6 months. This visa is intended for visitors wishing to spend a vacation, visit friends or relatives, or take part in a sporting event.
• Business Visa This visa allows you to work temporarily in the country for a maximum of 3 months. It is necessary for people coming for business, investment, conferences or professional internships.
• Work Permit It is issued for a maximum of 3 years and concerns skilled workers and professionals who have obtained employment in Fiji.
• Student Visa issued for a maximum of 5 years, this visa is reserved for foreign students wishing to study at an accredited educational institution in Fiji.
• Permanent Residence Visa This visa is intended for people who wish to settle permanently in Fiji, whether for family, professional or investment reasons.

Tourist Visa: the most popular

Unsurprisingly, the tourist visa is by far the most popular visa in Fiji. It enables visitors to take full advantage of the country's tourist attractions without having to apply for a work or residence permit. What's more, nationals of many countries are exempt from visa requirements for tourist stays of less than 4 months, facilitating access to Fiji for a large number of travelers.

The economic impact of international tourism in Fiji

Tourism is considered one of the main drivers of economic growth in Fiji and represents an important source of revenue for the country. In 2019, tourism revenues reached around F$1.7 billion (around US$850 million), up 4 % on 2018. The main economic benefits of tourism in Fiji include:

• Job creation The tourism sector directly employs almost 40,000 people, or 14 % of the working population.
• Bilateral trade Tourism strengthens trade and cultural relations between Fiji and visitors' countries of origin, promoting bilateral exchanges.
• Foreign investment The tourism sector attracts a large number of foreign investors, particularly in the hotel and real estate sectors.
• Exports Tourism stimulates demand for local products such as agriculture, handicrafts and services, helping to boost the country's exports.

The challenges of developing tourism in Fiji

Despite its positive effects on the Fijian economy, international tourism can also bring certain challenges. These include:

• preserving the environmentIn the face of growing tourist numbers and infrastructure development,
• natural and cultural resource managementto preserve the authenticity and attractiveness of tourist sites,
• balancing economic and social developmentby ensuring that the benefits of tourism also accrue to the local population.