The Pacific Tourism Organisation says it is too early to determine whether Fiji’s declaration of HIV as a national crisis will have a significant impact on visitor arrivals.

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker says while some source markets may issue travel advisories over health risks, Fiji’s tourism outlook remains strong.

His comments come after Fiji formally declared the HIV epidemic a national emergency, following a sharp rise in new diagnoses. Government figures show Fiji recorded 2,016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, the highest annual number recorded. 

Cocker says countries have the right to issue health advisories to protect their citizens, but the impact on tourism will depend on how individual travellers respond.

“We can only share the information… but they will have to manage within each country how they manage the health requirements.”

He says, unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, HIV does not present the same type of widespread transmission risk that required border restrictions and quarantine measures.

Cocker says Fiji’s tourism industry is continuing to monitor the situation, with the country’s tourism forecast remaining strong despite other challenges facing the sector.

He says Fiji’s experience should also serve as a lesson for other Pacific tourism destinations, given the region’s vulnerability to health emergencies.

Market Development Facility Country Director Kelera Cavuilati says the current situation highlights the importance of stronger coordination between government agencies.

She says countries need robust systems and better collaboration between agencies to respond effectively to emerging health and other risks.

The Fiji Government has expanded its HIV response following the national crisis declaration, including increased testing and treatment, wider access to PrEP and the introduction of a formal needle and syringe programme. 

The tourism sector has also confirmed it will support the Government-led response and provide tourism operators and visitors with information guided by official health advice. Fiji remains open to international visitors and tourism services continue to operate normally.