WORLD SURF LEAGUE PARTNERSHIP DELIVERS STRONG RETURNS FOR FIJI
The 2025 event returned more than FJ$15.95 million in brand exposure and FJ$2.63 million in direct local economic activity, against an annual investment of about FJ$2.2 million.
SUVA, 18 AUGUST 2026 – Fiji’s partnership with the World Surf League has delivered substantial international exposure and direct economic benefits. The results reinforce the value of major sporting events as a platform for destination marketing and tourism growth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, told Parliament today that the 2025 Lexus WSL Finals Fiji presented by Corona Cero generated more than FJ$15.95 million in brand exposure for Tourism Fiji and injected FJ$2.63 million into the local economy, against an annual Government investment of about FJ$2.2 million.
“The hosting of the World Surf League Championship Tour at Cloudbreak demonstrates how a targeted partnership can deliver returns well beyond its cost, placing Fiji on the world stage while delivering tangible benefits to businesses and communities at home,” Hon. Gavoka said.
The brand exposure comprised FJ$7.5 million in social media value and FJ$7.5 million in digital and linear broadcast value. The event recorded 7.77 million views across live and on-demand platforms, with the largest audiences in the United States, Brazil and Australia. Across social media, 657 branded posts generated more than 125.7 million impressions and 70.9 million video views, and the event secured more than 4,000 press placements across more than 30 countries.
Direct spending flowed into the Fijian economy through accommodation, local contractors, event infrastructure, catering, transport, facility hire, marketing and air travel. An estimated 4,250 spectators attended, while 125 athletes, coaches and staff took part directly.
The partnership has also delivered longer-term community and infrastructure benefits. The Cloudbreak Surf Tower, built in 2024 for the Nabila and Momi communities of Tabanivono i Wai, remains a permanent asset supporting future events and tourism in the area. Seventeen indigenous, community and environmental initiatives were delivered during the 2025 event, including conservation work, a youth surf clinic, coastal clean-ups, water trauma training, paid event roles and dedicated competition heats for local surfers. The event ran under a strict no-single-use-plastics policy.
Hon. Gavoka said hosting the event outside Fiji’s traditional peak holiday period also helps spread tourism activity and visitor spending across the year.
The Government initially approved a three-year commitment covering 2024 to 2026. The partnership has since been extended, securing Fiji’s place on the Championship Tour through 2029. This year’s Fiji Pro runs from 25 August to 4 September 2026 at Cloudbreak, the eighth stop of the World Surf League Championship Tour.
“The partnership is a sound and measured investment in destination Fiji,” Hon. Gavoka said.
To read more of the response delivered by the Hon Deputy Prime Minister, please click the following link;
– ENDS –