While on the Coral Coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, our Fiji students learn about the history and evolvement of tourism in the area. Dr. David Harrison from the University of the South Pacific speaks of the changes in tourism since its origins in the area.

Tourists began traveling to Fiji in the 1920s with the bulk of Coral Coast tourism starting in the 1950s, according to Dr. Harrison. Approximately half a million tourists visit Fiji each year, with most coming from Australia and New Zealand.

Nowadays, about 75 percent of tourists stay at hotels and resorts owned by international corporations. To assess such accommodations, students visit the Warwick Resort & Spa, pictured below, or the Naviti Resort.

Students compare the internationally-owned hotels with locally-owned hotels, condominium and housing compound developments and backpackers. Students look at the sustainability, community benefits, social and cultural affects and environmental impacts of these accommodations and the tourism industry as a whole.