Fiji Airways and WestJet have announced a new codeshare partnership, enhancing connectivity between Canada and the South Pacific.
The agreement will allow guests to travel across both airlines’ networks under a single booking with improved access to destinations across Canada, Fiji, and beyond.
Through the agreement, Fiji Airways will place its “FJ” code on WestJet’s domestic network including Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Halifax, providing convenient connections from key Canadian cities to Fiji Airways international services via its North American gateways. In turn, WestJet will place its “WS” code on Fiji’s Vancouver to Nadi flights and through to destinations across New Zealand including Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington allowing WestJet guest’s access to Fiji Airways’ South Pacific network.
From June 18, Fiji Airways will operate three weekly services year-round between Nadi and Vancouver on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The route will also see the introduction of the Airbus A350 on all Vancouver services from 8 September, increasing capacity and enhancing the onboard experience.
Fiji nears million visitor mark, but may need to revisit post COVID playbook: Economist
ANZ Economist Kishti Sen says Fiji has often looked at 1,000,000 visitor arrivals as its high-water mark, and that this year it looks like it will succeed in reaching that milestone.
Visitor arrivals to Fiji for March totalled 71,765 (up 12.4% y/y). That is the highest March
inbound demand since 1983 (the first time such data was recorded) and beat the previous
record of 69,335 arrivals registered in March 2024.
But Sen says to realise this goal and to keep the tourism momentum through the low season and into 2027, Fiji may need to revisit its post-pandemic playbook. That involved cutting tourism related product taxes and offering packages to attract leisure travellers. It introduced all-inclusive packages that included low airfares with kids eating and staying for free, meals and drinks included for adults, with a FJD150 stipend for guests to spend at hotels subsidised by the government. It also cut taxes, fees and levies including reducing the departure tax by 50% to FJD100.
Sen notes that travellers from Australia, Fiji’s biggest source market, are looking for value-for-money and are holidaying at price-competitive Asian destinations like Thailand and Vietnam.
Malhana Cloud Kitchen introduces cassava roti
Malhana Cloud Kitchen has introduced a locally inspired innovation aimed at creating more accessible, healthy food options in Fiji – the Cassava Roti.
The Cassava Roti is a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat-based roti, offering an option for individuals living with gluten intolerance and other dietary sensitivities, while also showcasing the potential of locally sourced ingredients.
Head Chef Vuto Volaukitaveuni notes: “We recognised that there are still very limited alternative food options available locally for people with dietary restrictions, particularly gluten intolerance. The Cassava Roti was created to show that our local ingredients can be transformed into innovative alternatives that are both delicious and accessible.”
Beyond its health-focused purpose, the Cassava Roti also carries cultural significance, particularly during the Girmit commemorative period where conversations around unity, resilience, and shared identity are highlighted across Fiji.
Niumataiwalu joins IHG’s Suva properties
The Grand Pacific Hotel Suva and Holiday Inn Suva have appointed experienced human resources leader Mere Niumataiwalu as Cluster HR and Training Manager, a senior role that will oversee workforce strategy across both properties as the Suva hospitality sector continues to grow and evolve.
In her new role, Niumataiwalu will lead human resources and training for both hotels, with responsibility for employee relations, talent development, and workplace culture. She will work closely with department leaders to build strong, engaged teams and support consistent delivery of guest experiences.
Fiji Airports team undergoes AI training
A Fiji Airways organisation-wide training in Artificial Intelligence has just ended, aimed at helping staff use emerging technology to improve workplace efficiency, decision-making, and service delivery.
The initiative brought together more than 30 staff members from key departments, including Air Traffic, Safety and Risk, Airside Operations, Electrical and Mechanical, and Airport Management. The sessions focused on the practical application of AI, strategic implementation, and emerging technologies in the workplace.
In opening the training, General Manager Finance Sanjana Mishra said Artificial Intelligence gives Fiji Airports an opportunity to think differently. “It can help us improve decision-making, strengthen operational efficiency, better understand data, identify risks, and support enhanced business growth,” Ms Mishra said.
