The record number of tourists who visited Fiji last year almost matched the number of people living in the country, Fiji's Prime Minister says.
Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama commissions the Ravuka Village Water Purification Project Photo: Supplied
Frank Bainimarama said the tourism industry had reported more than 870,000 visitor arrivals for 2018.
He recently told stakeholders in the $US890-million industry that it was on track to meet its goal of being a billion dollar sector by 2021.
"The hundreds of thousands of travellers, who visit us every year, return home with an understanding and afinity for all that defines who we are as Fijians," he said.
"The love each of our visitors find for our country shows us the tremendous power of the people-to-people connections that can be built through this industry."
Mr Bainimara said more than 90,000 visitors arrived in July - a new single month record.
Fijians across the country felt the benefits of growth in the tourism industry, he said.
"They secure jobs, they are able to drive on new roads, across new bridges and welcome new developments."
Mr Bainimarama said he wanted tourism to benefit not just some Fijians but all Fijians.