{
  "id": 2923384,
  "title": "Travellers who already booked Fiji holidays could pay more, travel groups warn",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/travellers-who-already-booked-fiji-holidays-could-pay-more-travel",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-24T02:28:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RNZ Pacific",
    "slug": "rnz-pacific",
    "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/1102307/travellers-who-already-booked-fiji-holidays-could-pay-more-travel-groups-warn"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "International travel associations are warning that Fiji's new Tourism Services Tax (TST) could lead to higher costs for travelers who have already booked their trips. The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) and the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) have called on the Fijian government to delay implementing the new tax, which is set to take effect on September 1st. The tax, designed to apply to tourism operators with an annual turnover above FJ$2 million (NZ$1.4m), has raised concerns among travel businesses and consumers alike.\n\nATIA chief executive Dean Long criticized the tax, stating that it would make Fiji holidays more expensive for Australian travelers. Long emphasized that a retrospective application is not acceptable, as once a customer has paid, the price should be locked in. TAANZ chief executive Julie White echoed these concerns, stating that travellers who booked and agreed a price before September 1st should not be hit with an additional tax. She warned that the timing is particularly concerning as it comes before the busy September and October school holiday travel period.\n\nThe tax applies to large-scale tourism operators, including hotels, tour operators, and cruise businesses. Fiji's tourism industry remains a popular destination for Australians and New Zealanders, but the new tax could threaten this trend. Travel agents, wholesalers, and tour operators are caught in the middle, having to explain and potentially administer a cost they did not create or foresee. Business leaders are questioning the government's decision, arguing that it shows a lack of understanding of the international tourism industry and its pricing mechanisms.",
  "summary": "Australian and New Zealand travel industry bodies are urging Fiji to delay a new 5 percent tourism tax, saying travellers with existing bookings could face unexpected additional costs.",
  "key_points": [
    "Fiji's new Tourism Services Tax (TST) may increase costs for pre-booked travelers.",
    "ATIA and TAANZ urge Fijian government to delay tax implementation.",
    "Tax applies to large tourism operators, potentially threatening industry."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Travellers who booked Fiji holidays before September 1st may face higher costs due to the new Tourism Services Tax, prompting criticism from travel groups that the tax should not be applied retrospectively.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}