The Fiji government spent $2.62 million on official overseas travel for ministers and officials between May 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka recorded the highest expenditure at $212,733, covering diplomatic and trade engagements across Europe, Asia, and Africa, according to figures tabled in Parliament this week.
The disclosure, provided in response to Written Question 247/2026 by Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, details 182 official trips undertaken by the Prime Minister, his deputies, cabinet ministers, and assistant ministers. These figures represent costs borne by the public treasury, excluding expenses covered by international organizations or host governments.
Following Mr. Ditoka, the next highest expenditures were recorded by Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka at $170,980.77 and Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran at $167,548.27. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka ranked fourth, with travel costs totaling $141,849.20. The reporting period highlights the financial scale of Fiji’s recent diplomatic outreach, which has focused on trade, aviation, and security partnerships.
Mr. Ditoka’s itinerary, for example, included travel to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium, Cameroon, Malaysia, and South Korea, targeting fuel security and trade diversification. Similarly, Mr. Gavoka’s travel portfolio included tourism-focused engagements in Germany, aviation meetings in Canada, and a visit to Scotland for rugby-related diplomacy.
| Official | Expenditure (FJD) |
|---|---|
| Sakiasi Ditoka | $212,733.00 |
| Viliame Gavoka | $170,980.77 |
| Sashi Kiran | $167,548.27 |
| Sitiveni Rabuka | $141,849.20 |
The data reveals that several other government figures, including Charan Jeath Singh, Lynda Tabuya, and Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, also exceeded $100,000 in travel costs. The parliamentary response indicated that two officeholders—Minister Filimoni Vosarogo and Assistant Minister Jovesa Vocea—did not record any official overseas travel during the 16-month period.
While the $2.62 million figure captures the direct cost to taxpayers, the government noted that several trips were partially or fully subsidized by external sponsors. This practice is common for small island developing states (SIDS) that rely on international forums, such as those held in Switzerland or Turkey, to advocate for climate policy and economic reform. Access to these global decision-making bodies often necessitates significant travel, which can strain limited national budgets.
With the reporting period ending in August 2026, these figures were disclosed in response to a written question in Parliament regarding official overseas travel.
