The Fiji Tourism Action Group (TAG) has defended a temporary 5% tourism services tax that will fund Fiji Airways (FJ, Nadi), arguing that the measure protects the country's international air connectivity and wider tourism economy. The levy, effective September 1, 2026, will apply for 12 months to hotels and tour and cruise operators with annual turnover of at least FJD2 million Fijian dollars (USD894,000). TAG said Fiji Airways faced severe financial pressure after jet fuel prices surged earlier in 2026 and called on the carrier to regularly report how the tax proceeds are used.