Fiji has reported a 15% increase in UK visitors for the first quarter of the year compared to 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.

The island destination welcomed a total of 3,074 travellers from the UK in the first three months of 2024: 1,029 in January, up from 914 in 2023; 943 in February, up from 788; and 1,102 in March, up from 951.

Global visitation numbers also exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with February 2024 arrivals 16% higher than in February 2020.

Tourism Fiji cited increased airlift, new resorts and the appearance of the destination on popular television programmes for the growth in visitors.

“We are delighted to see our numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels and are thankful to our trade partners in contributing to the UK traveller’s interest in Fiji,” said Jane West, Tourism Fiji’s regional director for the UK and Europe.

“Renewed airlift via Japan and Hong Kong, as well as a new connection via Vancouver, has boosted these numbers and given travellers increased options for contrasting twin-centre holidays.

“We have also seen Fiji as the backdrop to many popular TV series over the past year, including Married at First Sight Australia and Love Island, offering viewers a taste of the paradise and warm hospitality Fiji has to offer visitors.”

She added: “We are excited to see a wide range of new accommodation options come to Fiji as well as enhancements to some of the long-standing popular resorts across the destination.”