Tourism zone Energy-from-waste Plant EIA rejected
Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected a controversial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Energy-from-Waste Plant and Private Port Facility at Vuda Point.
The report was submitted rejected due to unresolved environmental, health, social and economic concerns.
The Department says those issues included the scale of the project, waste supply, imported waste, hazardous ash management, water supply, public health risks, environmental impacts, road and port infrastructure, social and cultural impacts, tourism impacts and the project’s overall economic viability.
The company behind the proposal, Next Generation Holdings (TNG) said it was disappointed by the decision, and is considering its next steps. It has 30 days to appeal the decision.
Fiji Airways reinstates direct Nadi- Nouméa air service
National carrier Fiji Airways will reinstate its direct air service between Nadi and Nouméa, New Caledonia, marking a significant step forward in post-pandemic regional connectivity.
The route will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays; and will utilise its ATR 72-600 aircraft from its regional subsidiary Fiji Link.
The direct service goes online on 22 September, with tickets already on sale.
Fiji Airways warns of disruptions on Tuvalu flights
Fiji Airways has advised passengers travelling to and from Funafuti that flights will operate under restrictions following Tuvalu’s declaration of a State of Emergency over critical fuel shortages.
Services operating to Funafuti are now required to carry return fuel on outbound flights to ensure operations can continue safely.
Passengers were advised that some seats may remain empty even when flights are listed as sold out because seating availability has been reduced to accommodate the extra fuel load.
The airline also warned that checked baggage could face delays under the operational restrictions.
Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji and Bilo Bar Club Support Opening of Cuvu Community Learning Centre
Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji, and the Bilo Bar Club, proudly supported the official opening of the Cuvu Community Learning Centre (CCLC) recently, marking an important milestone for education and youth development within the Cuvu district and surrounding communities.
The opening ceremony was attended by students from Cuvu District primary schools and Cuvu College and was officially opened by Resort Manager of Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji, Sunil Beerbul; Imperial Bilo of the Bilo Bar Club, Andrew Neaves; and Ratu Tevita Kunahalo Makutu representing Na Hina Ltd and the chiefly clan of Cuvu.
The Bilo Bar Club, a long-standing charity club made up of loyal returning guests and multi-generational Shangri-La visitors, has continued to play an important role in supporting community-focused initiatives connected to the resort and surrounding areas.
Founder and Manager of the Cuvu Community Learning Centre, educator Teresa Rietberg, shared that the Centre was created out of a desire to help young people realise their potential through education and support.
“We wanted to create a safe space where students feel encouraged, supported, and inspired to learn. Education can change lives, and the Centre exists to help give our children and young people every opportunity to succeed,” said Rietberg.
Club Wyndham Denarau revitalises Loloma Home playground
Club Wyndham Denarau Island has helped overhaul the children’s outdoor play area at the local Loloma Home & Care Centre, which provides a sanctuary for vulnerable young mothers and their children, ranging from babies to teenagers.
The centre has provided a safe and caring environment for local children for nearly two decades, but its aging playground had fallen into disrepair and was no longer usable.
Through financial support from Club Wyndham Denarau Island, the space has been revitalised with repairs to the existing jungle gym, fresh paint, levelled grounds, a new sandpit, and the addition of swings, a see-saw and other play equipment, creating a welcoming place for children to learn, play and connect.
The FJ$14,000 project is funded entirely through the resort’s weekly charity auction, held during Owner Meet & Greets each Wednesday.
Local icons: Meridian Store Wairiki Taveuni to celebrate 100 years of service
Meridian Store, a cornerstone of the Wairiki community, proudly marks its 100th anniversary this year. Established in 1926 by Dayaram Fakir, the store has grown from a humble family-run shop into a trusted institution, serving generations of Taveuni residents and visitors with dedication, resilience, loyalty and Trust.
From its early days supplying essential goods to farmers and families, to adapting through modern times with expanded services into hardware, the store has remained committed to meeting the evolving needs of its customers.
The milestone will be celebrated on July 8, with the President of Fiji and First Lady in attendance.
Melanesian Arts and Cutural Festival deferred
Fiji’s hosting of the 8th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival has been deferred to next year.
The government cited competing national programs and fiscal pressures as key reasons for the delay. The new date in 2027 is yet to be set.
HOTEC platinum sponsors named
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) have signed on as the Platinum Sponsors for the HOTEC Tradeshow 2026.
HOTEC 2026 will be held from Thursday, 22 to Friday, 23 October 2026, bringing together tourism operators, hoteliers, suppliers, service providers and industry partners for Fiji’s premier hospitality trade event.
The biennial tradeshow, a flagship event of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, provides a targeted platform for businesses to connect directly with the tourism sector, showcase products and services, and explore new opportunities across one of the Pacific’s most dynamic visitor economies.
Fiji’s yachting sector records record growth
Fiji’s yachting industry delivered a record FJ$57.4 million economic contribution in 2025, marking its strongest performance in 16 years. The latest Fiji International Yachting Visitors Survey showed strong growth in both direct spending and superyacht activity, with 62 superyachts visiting Fiji and average stays increasing from 56 to 160 days.
The charter sector also surged following recent regulatory reforms, with revenue rising from FJ$246,000 in 2023 to FJ$2.99 million in 2025. Supported by longer stays and new marina infrastructure, the industry is forecast to contribute more than FJ$65 million to Fiji’s economy by the end of 2026.
Tourism Fiji’s new appointment
Tourism Fiji has strengthened its governance capability and legal oversight with the appointment of lawyer Deepesh Singh as Board Secretary and Corporate Services / Governance Specialist.
The role underscores Tourism Fiji’s growing emphasis on governance excellence, legal compliance, accountability and organisational integrity as the national tourism body continues to promote Fiji’s tourism sector and strengthen Fiji’s position as a globally competitive destination.
Fiji to host South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2027
Fiji has won the bid to host the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2027, following a decisive vote by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Board of Directors in Nadi last week.
The selection comes after a competitive process, with Fiji and Tahiti Tourisme both submitting formal expressions of interest to host the region’s leading tourism trade event.
The Board ultimately approved Fiji as the host, instructing the SPTO Secretariat to work closely with Fijian authorities to finalise arrangements for the high-profile gathering. The SPTE is the Pacific’s foremost tourism marketplace, connecting international buyers with operators and National Tourism Offices throughout the region.
