TOURISM BILL NO. 10 OF 2026 ENACTED INTO LAW

Fiji enacts its first comprehensive tourism legislation, replacing the Hotel and Guest Houses Act 1973

SUVA, FIJI, 28 May 2026 — The Tourism Bill No. 10 of 2026 was today passed into law, modernising Fiji’s tourism legislation for the first time in decades.  The new Tourism Act 2026 repeals and replaces the Hotel and Guest Houses Act 1973, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to reflect the scale, diversity and evolving complexity of Fiji’s modern tourism industry.

Fiji now welcomes close to one million visitors annually, supported by a broad network of hotels, resorts, tour operators, and community-based experiences, including hiking, camping, and platforms such as Airbnb. The legislation that previously governed this sector was developed in the 1970s, when the industry operated at a fraction of its current size.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, said the enactment of the Tourism Act 2026 is a direct response to the growth and evolution of the industry. “Over the last 20 years, Fiji has doubled its visitor numbers. Our communities are more deeply involved in tourism than ever before, and the expectations of travellers and investors alike have changed significantly. It is time our laws reflected that reality.”

The Act introduces a framework that covers tourism enterprise registration and recognition, national tourism standards, sustainability and compliance provisions, protections for indigenous and cultural knowledge, and clearer pathways for community participation in the industry. The Act was developed through consultations with industry representatives, community groups, micro, small and medium enterprises, and Government agencies.

“This legislation did not happen overnight,” Minister Gavoka said. “It was shaped by the voices of communities, operators, and stakeholders from across the country. We thank everyone who took part in the consultations and who contributed to getting us here today.”

The Hotel and Guest Houses Act 1973 will be repealed when the Tourism Act 2026 comes into force, on a date directed by the Minister.

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