Apisalome MovonoandRegina Scheyvens

Opinion | Pushback to Chinese project in Fiji shows opposition to mega-tourism rising in the Pacific

Opposition has been growing to a US$300 million project proposed by Chinese developers due to its proximity to one of Fiji’s last remaining mangrove forests

In 2019, approval for a multimillion-dollar Chinese-funded project was revoked after part of a reef was destroyed, and construction disrupted traditional fisheries

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Apisalome MovonoandRegina Scheyvens

Published: 5:00am, 8 Mar 2023

With Covid-19 travel restrictions largely a thing of the past for Australian and New Zealand tourists, Pacific destinations are enjoying the return of visitors – albeit at a slower pace than other parts of the world.

Tourism in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands was hit hard by the pandemic, but patience and resilience are starting to pay off. Foreign currencies are once again circulating in those small economies. Recently, Kiribati welcomed its first international cruise ship since 2020.

But this isn’t a simple case of returning to normal. The past three years have allowed time for reflection, leading to a rising awareness of possible alternatives to pre-pandemic tourism models.

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Scenes of pre-pandemic normality as more Asia-Pacific countries drop Covid restrictions

From senior levels within governments to grass roots tourism operators and citizens, there has been serious discussion about the resumption of business as usual, including several regional symposia hosted by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

Issues of sovereignty and future resilience have been very much to the fore – quite atypical in a global tourism industry largely focused on boosting numbers as soon as possible. Questions remain, however, about the gap between rhetoric and reality.

Flipping the narrative

The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leaders Summit in November 2022 brought together tourism ministers and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of regional tourism. This led to a regional commitment signed by 11 countries focused on promoting sustainable tourism.