We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples and the Traditional Custodians of Ngunnawal Country, the land on which we meet today. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and also recognise any other people or families with connection to the ACT and Region.
His Excellency Ajay Bhai Amrit, Fiji High Commissioner to Australia, on Fiji Airways flights and the growth potential for tourism to the National Capital
With Australia as Fiji’s largest tourism market, Fiji Airways is exploring new routes in the country. Cairns is set to be its next destination in April.
The airline will soon announce its third Aussie sport sponsorship in a few weeks. It currently sponsors the ACT Brumbies and the Melbourne Storm.
His Excellency shared a few of Fiji’s tourism achievements:
- Fiji Airways’ accolades for best airline in the region and best airline staff
- Fiji had 1 million visitors in 2024, a feat considering its population is under 900,000
- January 2025 saw a record of nearly 18,000 visitors in Fiji – half of tourists were from Australia
Tourism is Fiji’s largest economic sector, contributing to 40% of the country’s GDP. This has a ripple effect on employment, with direct and indirect employment in local communities. This translates to more jobs and a better quality of life.
His Excellency acknowledged challenges to Fiji’s tourism industry, citing “isolated incidents” affecting the country’s image. He noted that these challenges have only driven Fiji to make it a safe, world-class destination.
“I hope to see a future where Fiji is not just a destination but a global benchmark for tourism.”
Question – Do you see Fiji Airways expanding internationally?
His Excellency highlighted Fiji Airways’ venture into Dallas, Texas, which connects to 150 destinations including Europe and South America.
He also mentioned that Fiji Airways has thrice a week flights from Canberra, offering optimal flight times and direct connections to island nations.
Question – Any chance flights from Canberra will increase in frequency?
His Excellency said that currently thrice a week is “more than enough.” He added that Fiji Airways has a new Boeing 737 MAX and that the airline provides an experience that is “second to none.”
Kathryn Carling, Area General Manager DOMA Hotel Group – Canberra on visitor’s expectations when visiting Canberra and tourism projections for 2025
Ms Carling said that while Canberra has the reputation of being “boring,” there are opportunities to provide small experiences for guests who usually come to the capital for work. Making their visits as enjoyable as possible, from dining to cultural attractions, could encourage those on business trips to return for leisure.
Guests' expectations have shifted from the pre-COVID to the post-COVID era. Currently, travellers value booking ease and flexibility, value for money, recognition, loyalty and sustainability.
With regard to sustainability expectations, Ms Carling advised making small changes in amenities to make hotels more eco-friendly. On technology expectations, she cited investigating hotel technology issues to provide a smooth experience across various DOMA hotels.
Ms Carling discussed performance metrics of the luxury market in Canberra. Data shows an increase in occupancy but a decrease in average daily rate, which means while there are more guests, they are paying less.
She also delved into visitors’ changing spending habits, emphasising value for money as a priority. Guests are opting for lower price points, dining less and sharing meals.
On 2025 F&B predictions, it is predicted that 2025 will indicate recovery. Spending will be tight in the first half of 2025. Confidence will likely return in the second half of the year with a new government, but spending will remain selective.
2025 accommodation predictions include a 4% increase in occupancy and a return to "normal" for Canberra with Tuesday/Wednesday peaks.
Of its various properties, DOMA sees the most success in Sydney due to the international market. Ms Carling called for “putting Canberra on the radar” to attract more international tourists.
Ms Carling provided updates about DOMA’s latest offerings. The Shaw Estate in Murrumbateman is under renovation, with a restaurant reopening in March. The Marina Resort in Port Stephen is also undergoing a transformation and is set to open in May.
Question – What’s DOMA’s focus on accessibility and diversity?
Ms Carling shared that DOMA worked with Accessible Accommodation Australia to improve accessibility in their hotels. After having staff film the guest experience, they received feedback and made the necessary adjustments to provide accessible rooms. She noted that statistically, one in five guests will need some form of accessibility.
Brendan Smyth, ACT Commissioner for International Engagement on key 2025 trade missions, and the tourism benefits of relationships with the Canberra diplomatic community
Mr Smyth said that the international engagement strategy for Canberra targets markets where Canberra excels, such as Singapore and the Pacific, including Fiji. He cited Fiji’s importance as Canberra's only international flight and as a destination that connects Canberra to America.
The top 10 industries in Canberra include tourism, and the goal is to take it from number two to number one. Mr Smyth noted that the Canberra brand is recognised for rugby, the War Memorial and wine.
Among the initiatives to build international relationships is trade missions. Mr Smyth described a mission to Fiji, which included the ACT Brumbies rugby team visiting a local community, laptop donations to a school and a networking event among business leaders.
Another initiative is developing cricket as an avenue for tourism. He shared that Indian students have been invited to Canberra for cricket and also to influence where they will attend university.
Mr Smyth said the next stops for international engagement are Beijing and Wellington, which are sister cities of Canberra, with the aim of increasing tourism and student numbers.
Mr Smyth explained that the strategy is around strengthening networks that already exist, describing international engagement as a “two-way street.”
Question – Do you have a radar on Singapore Airlines?
Mr Smyth said that the chief minister and the CEO of Singapore Airlines are on “first-name terms.” He suggested that flights to Singapore and New Zealand are under consideration.
Question – What’s your number one priority in 2025?
Mr Smyth said that the top priority is to increase flights between Canberra to Nadi, Fiji from three to four. He noted that nearly a quarter of Fiji Airways passengers are American and they want to see international guests come to Canberra and “not want to leave.”
Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Leaders Forum highlighted:
Hoping we win awards at the Australian Tourism Awards, to be held on the 21st of March in Adelaide.
Commending a successful Enlighten Festival – congratulations to Ross.
The Balloon Spectacular commences on the 15th of March and runs until the 23rd of March.
Acknowledging our colleagues in Queensland and New South Wales impacted by the cyclone. Our thoughts are with them.
Next forum Wednesday 2 April 2025.
Speakers will include: Margy Osmond, CEO, Tourism and Transport Forum; Rowena Abbey, Chair, Regional Development Australia Southern NSW and ACT; Ashlee Berry, CEO, ACT Property Council
Credits:
Created with images by Bruce - "Hot Air Balloons Over the Lake in Canberra Balloon Festival" • Matthew - "Hot Air Balloon flying high above the countryside in Canberra, Australia"