Tourism Policy Backlash: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has slammed Fiji’s new Tourism Services Tax, saying retrospective billing is turning settled bookings into fresh bills for families and group travellers, and warning businesses and travellers will pay for the policy’s “broken promise.” Tourism Regulation Overhaul: Fiji’s Tourism Act 2026 has passed, replacing the 1973 framework and moving accommodation, tour operators, guides and experiences under one system with tiered standards for community and MSMEs. Competition Law Pushback: The Fiji Law Society says the Competition and Consumer Commission Bill 2026 needs more time and a more independent process, warning stakeholders were given only eight days and questioning enforcement powers and missing impact assessments. Sugar Leadership Uncertainty: Government still hasn’t clearly confirmed who holds the Sugar portfolio, leaving farmers and industry awaiting direction as El Niño risks loom. Agriculture Exports: Fiji exported its first pilot shipment—54 boxes of produce—to Nauru, showing potential to expand beyond the domestic market. Blue Economy Support: A new programme will back about 3,050 rural farming, fishing and handicraft households in Cakaudrove with market access and green tech options. Power Disruption Hits Industry: An EFL shutdown in Labasa threatens operations at Pinto Industries and could keep around 200 workers home. Fashion & Skills: Two Fijian designers, Temesia and AZA, are set to showcase at NZ Fashion Week, while Tourism Fiji wins a PATA Gold Award for an AI end-to-end marketing ecosystem for the Chinese market. Church Discipline: Methodist leaders urged ministers and lay pastors to cut back on yaqona and stop smoking, linking discipline to effective ministry. Climate Process Starts Locally: Fiji hosted the Pacific COP31 process kickoff in Nadi, bringing communities and Indigenous groups to centre climate priorities.