The 333 islands opening to the world

🌎 As of 1 December, Fiji instituted a quarantine-free travel policy to welcome vaccinated travellers from countries across the globe.

When the pandemic forced Fiji to close its borders in March 2020, the effect was immediately devastating to the island-nation's economy. In a country where the tourism industry accounts for 38% of GDP and employs more than 13% of the total population, the lockdowns meant layoffs, bankruptcies and permanent business closures.

"It was a rough and trying time for everyone," said resident Leba Digitaki, programme manager for Rustic Pathways. "The one thing that I am thankful for as a Fijian living in Fiji during the pandemic was the land and the sea. Our forefathers lived off the land and the sea sustainably for many years before the arrival and introduction of Western goods by foreigners."

By the time the second wave of virus cases hit the island, many residents had planted gardens, and villages and communities began to use barter systems, with platforms and groups on social media that helped people trade crops and seafood for goods from the shops like flour, sugar, rice and clothes.

Thankfully, the arrival of vaccines was a "game-changer", said Digitaki, as the country made it mandatory to be vaccinated to go to work, to travel or to enter shops and restaurants. Cases drastically diminished. "Over 91% of our eligible adult population, including tourism frontliners, are fully vaccinated against Covid-19," said Brent Hill, the CEO of Tourism Fiji. "It's an amazing feat for any destination."

✅ Why should I go now?

The huge success in vaccination has made it possible for the country to finally reopen its borders – after 20 long months. As of 1 December, Fiji instituted a quarantine-free travel policy to vaccinated travellers from its Travel Partner Countries, those with high vax rates and low infections.

Though the road ahead won't be easy, Digitaki and other residents are hopeful in routine returning to the islands, even if it looks a little different than before. "It's funny to say, but there is a sense of normalcy now with the wearing of masks, vaccination cards as a sort of ID and social distancing."