The Fiji Government has allocated $15 million to the Fiji Visitors Bureau (FVB) to better harness the Tourism Industry's economic contribution.

FVB who was allocated $13 million last year has been lobbying for an increase for FVB that is the industry's marketing arm.

The Finance Minister Ratu Jone Kubuabola also announced an additional $2 million for FVB's operations expenditure.

While speaking at the National Economic Summit last month, Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase said that there are many investors who have committed to "some of the largest resort constructions projects Fiji has ever seen".

The Fiji Government expects the industry to start earning $1 billion revenue target by 2007. The industry will earn a projected $682.2 million by this year's end.

This increase in the FVB's allocation is expected to boost the tourism industry in terms of marketing Fiji as a popular tourist destination overseas.

Finance minister Ratu Jone Kubuabola said this is expected to harness the sector's economic contribution.

Government will also review its incentives to the tourism industry by establishing minimum requirements by developers and operators in the purchase of locally manufactured items, maximize the use of local produce especially food, and increase developers' contribution towards infrastructure costs.