20/08/2026
The Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) has arranged urgent talks with the Fijian Government over the implementation of Fiji’s new Tourism Services Tax (TST), amid concerns Kiwi travellers with existing bookings could face unexpected additional costs.
The new 5% Tourism Services Tax takes effect from 1 September 2026 and applies to tourism services, including hotels, restaurants and tour operators with annual turnover above FJ$2 million.
TAANZ recognises Fiji’s right to determine its own tax settings and is not opposing the introduction of the TST. Its concern is with the way the tax is being implemented, including the limited consultation, the short lead time and, most importantly, the impact on bookings made or paid for before 1 September.
TAANZ CEO Julie White says travel is routinely booked, contracted and paid for many months in advance.
‘Our concern is simple, travellers who booked and agreed a price before 1 September should not be hit with an additional tax simply because they are travelling after that date.
‘There is a significant volume of existing Fiji bookings where the price has already been agreed, and in many cases the customer has paid in full. Those travellers have every reasonable expectation that their holiday is paid for.'
The development comes as Tourism Fiji and partners are well into a roadshow around New Zealand. A wholesaler attending one of the events says he also has no problem with the tax itself but there are many tried and tested ways to collect such an excise - such as including in an air ticket price. 'If it is a fuel cost price then what fuel
surcharges are for.' He says the way this tax is being implemented could be a 'PR disaster'; for Fiji. 'The brand damage is unknown at this stage.' The issue has arisen at a time when all other pointers from the NZ market are positive and as suppliers announce ongoing development, additions and improvements. Earlier coverage in today's TRAVELinc Memo.https://www.travelmemo.co.nz/memos/20260821.pdf
At the Fiji Roadshow Event in Christchurch this week... Melanie Peacock, Stellar Cruise and Travel; Jana Schleehauf; Shalima Bi, Castaway Island Fiji; Jo Lindores, NZ Travel Brokers Tourism Fiji TAANZ - Travel Agents Association of New Zealand Julie White
