Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, in partnership with the World Surf League (WSL), hosted the official opening of the 2025 Lexus WSL Finals Fiji Presented by Corona Cero. The event marked a significant milestone for Fiji’s growing sports tourism sector, with the announcement that the country will continue its partnership with WSL through 2029, cementing its position as a premier destination on the global surfing calendar.
The Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, announced the three-year extension of Fiji’s partnership with the World Surf League during the Opening Ceremony held at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. This reinforces the government’s commitment to positioning Fiji as a global leader in sports tourism.
Guests were welcomed with a traditional Fijian ceremony hosted by the Vanua of Tabanivoni-i-wai, offering a warm and authentic cultural experience. Attendees included representatives from Tourism Fiji, the Fiji Surfing Association, WSL, event sponsors, international media, and other key stakeholders.
“WSL was thrilled to continue our partnership with Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay,” said WSL APAC President Andrew Stark. “The incredible team at Momi Bay made us feel truly welcomed throughout this year’s Lexus WSL Finals Fiji. We are especially proud that the resort hosted the official opening ceremony, awards ceremony, and closing party, playing a vital role in making this year’s finals so special.”
The Championship Finals concluded earlier this week with a thrilling single day of high-stakes competition at legendary Cloudbreak, where the world’s top five male and female surfers battled for the 2025 World Championship titles. The awards ceremony was held at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, where newly crowned World Champions—Molly Picklum of Australia, winner of the women’s division, and Yago Dora of Brazil, winner of the men’s division—were welcomed with a grand Fijian celebration featuring a traditional welcome and a heartfelt performance by a local school choir.
“Hosting the world’s best surfers and the global surf community has been a privilege,” said Silvano Dressino, General Manager, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. “This moment is a celebration of sport, culture, and the spirit of Fiji. We’re proud to have played a role in this year’s Finals and to have shared our Fijian hospitality with athletes, officials, and fans from around the world.”
Located just a 20-minute boat ride from Cloudbreak, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay welcomed international athletes, media, and surf fans throughout the Finals window, blending high-performance sport with the warmth of authentic Fijian hospitality. The resort continues to position itself as the preferred base for travellers seeking both adrenaline and relaxation in the heart of Fiji.
This extension follows the successful return of the Fiji Pro in 2024, which generated significant international media value and strengthened community ties through legacy initiatives such as the rebuilding of the Surf Tower for the villages of Momi and Nabila. Environmental efforts were also front and centre, supported by the One Ocean initiative in partnership with the Mamanuca Environment Society.
Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in global travel, valued at over USD 560 billion in 2023 and projected to exceed USD 1.3 trillion by 2032 (Skift). With an estimated annual growth rate of 17.5% between 2023 and 2030, it accounts for approximately 10% of global tourism expenditure (UN Tourism). The continuation of Fiji’s partnership with the WSL places the country—alongside Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay—at the forefront of this dynamic sector, reinforcing Fiji’s position as a leading destination for international visitors through major global events.
