Fiji Records Best Ever International Visitor Arrival Result

Fiji has established a new visitor arrival record welcoming more than 631,000 international visitors across 2010.

Figures released by the Bureau of Statistics show a 631,868 international visitors travelled to the destination for the 12-month period January-December 2010, that figure eclipsing the 542,186 total achieved for the same period in 2009 by more than 16 per cent.

An ecstatic Tourism Fiji CEO, Josefa Tuamoto said while the 2010 result had seen the destination cross the 600,000 visitor mark for the first time, it had also effectively smashed previous visitor arrival projections set in 2009 in which the destination had set a target of 600,000 international travellers for 2010.

Australia continued to be the primary source of growth in arrivals to Fiji for the period with arrivals increasing by 28 per cent year on year to 318,185, in the process accounting for 50.4 per cent of total arrivals.

New Zealand visitor arrivals reached 97,857, a 7.7 per cent growth on the previous year, United States of America arrivals increased by three per cent to top 53,122, Pacific Islands numbers rose 11.7 per cent to 39,198 and Continental Europe figures rose by four per cent to 30,088.

Mr Tuamoto again pointed towards the national tourist office's ongoing efforts in its key emerging markets and particularly China and India which have seen exponential growth across 2010.

"The Fiji Government’s ongoing backing of Tourism Fiji and its decision last year to re-allocated an FJD23.5 million budget to the tourism sector has undoubtedly played a key role for a major increase in Fiji's tourism profile in its existing major source markets," he said.

"However this funding is also enabling Tourism Fiji to develop even more profile in several key emerging markets we see as offering huge potential. These include China, India and Russia.

“Add to that, the funding also allows Tourism Fiji to step up its efforts in attracting niche market, special interest and sustainable tourism business into the destination.

"This includes surfers, the silver market, backpackers, meetings, incentive and conference business, dive and maritime tourism and the key romantic travel market.

"Elements of the funding are also being well spent on helping to promote several of Fiji's non-traditional tourism regions - Kadavu, the Northern Islands, Lomaiviti and the Sunshine coast.

"There can be no doubt we are well on the way to seeing our country's tourism industry evolve into a 'multi-million dollar' operation as evidenced by this fantastic 2010 result."

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji's CEO's office at aledua@tourismfiji.com.fj

Update from Tourism Fiji Japan

TOURISM Fiji personnel in Japan are safe following the earthquake that hit northern Japan at the weekend.

Despite structural damages, Japan based representative, Ms Iki Kawabata reports that she has been able to operate under current adverse conditions. All email correspondence may not be addressed promptly however all enquiries relating to the Japanese market can be directed through Tourism Fiji's head office in Nadi.

Ms Kawabata will continue to update Tourism Fiji head office as soon as information comes to hand.

"Our condolences go to the people of Japan and our prayers are with those that are still missing."

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji's CEO's office at aledua@tourismfiji.com.fj

Tourism Fiji announces China/Hong Kong workshop series

Tourism Fiji in conjunction with Air Pacific and participating industry partners are currently holding a four city workshop series visiting Shenyang, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Shenzhen from 15 – 18 March 2011.

A separate Hong Kong workshop is scheduled for 23March 2011.

The objective of the workshops, as in previous visits, is to update the local travel industry with the latest Fiji travel packages for 2011 and also underline the ever-growing range of diverse products and services now on offer in Fiji.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s marketing officer, Mr. Kiniviliame Raicebe at kraicebe@tourismfiji.com.fj

Fiji MICE seminar

Tourism Fiji in conjunction with Air Pacific and Qantas is organizing a MICE seminar scheduled to take place at the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa on 19 March 2011.

Venue for the event will be the resort’s Senijale Room.

The event is intended to address the importance the C&I sector holds for Fiji and how Fiji as a destination can compete with other destinations for this lucrative business stream.

Speakers at the event include Linda Gaunt, CEO for meeting & Events Australia, Kim Waterhouse, General Manager for Directions (PCO) and Ashard Ali, Director for Enterprise Third Party, Partnership Services, Groups Services, The Wespac Group, Australia.

For further information and registration, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Marketing Officer, Ms Kelly Eastgate at keastgate@tourismfiji.com.fj

Tourism Fiji extends ‘Romance Me’ Online Video Competition

Tourism Fiji has extended the running of its ‘Romance Me’ Online Video Competition to April 18 2011 The national tourist office has again joined resources with several of its Fiji tourism industry colleagues to offer two couples the opportunity to win the romantic travel experience of a lifetime.

The first prize up for grab is a ‘Dream Wedding’ package inclusive of two international air tickets flying Air Pacific, three nights accommodation complete with all meals and a wedding package at the Royal Davui Island Resort and two nights at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa with breakfast.

The second prize offers a vow reaffirmation package inclusive of three nights at Vomo Island Resort inclusive of all meals and a special ceremony and two nights at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa with breakfast.

Both couples will also receive VIP ‘meet and greet’ services courtesy of transport partner Tour Managers while Tokman Imagez will provide special photographic memories of the events.

To enter couples simply need to submit a video and share their love story.

The competition will run for three months when the best five from each of the two categories will be announced and uploaded onto the www.FijiMe.com website.

Visitors will be given the opportunity to vote for the best two clips, winners being decided by who receives the most votes.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Marketing Officer, Ms Inise Mucunabitu at imucunabitu@tourismfiji.com.fj or visit http://www.fijime.com/romanceme/index.php/competition

‘Fiji Me’ Canadian Roadshow

Tourism Fiji and industry partners will hit the road in Canada in April as part of a four-city ‘Fiji Me' industry update.

Scheduled from 28 March – 01 April, the main thrust of the exercise is to provide detailed destination training at regional/niche level allowing for a more accurate presentation of Fiji and its diverse vacation experiences to the Canadian audience.

Cities to be visited include Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto.

For further information, please contact Trade Marketing Coordinator, North America, Mr Jim Selkin at jim@tourismfijius.com

Miami Sea Trade Convention

Tourism Fiji has combined resources with its Pacific Island neighbours at the Miami Convention Centre which is taking place now in Florida from 14-17 March.

One of the world’s largest exhibitions and is a must attend four day business to business event Miami Sea Trade draws people from all sectors of the international travel and maritime industry, including international and domestic tourist organizations, cruise operators and owners, super yacht brokers, hotel operators, business and corporate houses, professionals, hotel management and catering technology, educational institutes and related industry companies.

Fiji will be co-marketing alongside other SPCA member countries consisting of Tahiti, American Samoa, Samoa, Cook Islands and the Kingdom of Tonga at the event which also coincides with the official launch of the South Pacific Cruise Alliance (SPCA) at the event.

Team Fiji will be represented by Tourism Fiji, ATS Pacific, Pure Fiji and supported by Fiji Water.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Marketing Officer, Ms Alisi Lutu at alutu@tourismfiji.com.fj

Fiji ranked number three world’s top honeymoon destination

Fiji has been named the world’s third most popular honeymoon destinations by 'Bride', North America’s renowned wedding magazine.

Reaching more than 6.5 million readers per issue, Bride is the most widely read monthly wedding magazine in the world

Fiji was ranked at number three behind Hawaii and French Polynesia.

The survey was conducted via a partnership with the Signature Travel Network, a group of more than 6,000 North American travel agents.

Thanking you kindly – Shangri-La’s Fijian features in top rating Australian TV show

Shangri-La’s The Fijian Resort and Spa in conjunction with Tourism Fiji recently hosted top Australian presenter Shelley Craft and the crew of one of the country’s highest rating national TV shows, ‘Random Acts of Kindness' in Fiji.

Televised on TCN Channel Nine, the program revolved around a well deserving couple being rewarded for their good deeds to others in the community by being given the opportunity to get married in a tropical luxury paradise - Fiji.

Tourism Fiji Regional Director Australia Paresh Pant said the program provided a huge opportunity to showcase the expertise of Fiji’s renowned resort wedding capability.

“The kindness factor too fits in extremely well with the nature of the Fijian people who are renowned the world over for their kindness and generosity,” he said.

The program is an ongoing hit in Australia and regularly attracts an audience in excess of 1.4 million.

For further information, contact Tourism Fiji’s Regional Director Australia, Mr. Paresh Pant at ppant@tourismfijioz.com

‘Romance Me’ Australia Workshop

Tourism Fiji’s Australia team will stage four ‘Romance me’ wedding workshops in Adelaide Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney from 28-31 March.

The national tourist office will be joined by Warwick Hotels, Plantation & Lomani Island Resort, Musket Cove Island Resort, Mana Island Resort & Spa, Tadrai & Sonaisali Island Resort, Captain Cook Cruises, Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa, Wananavu Beach Resort, Paradise Bride, South Pacific Bridal (Fiji) and Tokman Imagez in jointly spreading the awareness on the diverse range of products and services that Fiji has to offer for the weddings and honeymoon market.

The workshops will be held at the following venues:

Monday - 28 March
Hyatt Park Melbourne

Tuesday - 29 March
Brisbane Hilton

Wednesday - 30 March
Swissotel Sydney

Thursday - 31 March
Stamford Plaza Adelaide

For further information or to register, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Marketing Officer, Ms Inise Mucunabitu at imucunabitu@tourismfiji.com.fj or Ms Luisa Finiasi at lfiniasi@tourismfijioz.com

Inaugural Tourism Fiji NZ Mamanuca Road Show hailed a success

Industry feedback received by Tourism Fiji following its inaugural Mamanuca regional New Zealand road show last week indicates Fiji remains very top of mind with Kiwi agents and the destination can look forward to a solid year ahead from the New Zealand market.

This year, for the first time, the main focus of the event was to showcase the huge range of accommodation and activities now on offer across the Mamanuca Islands.

A more than anticipated 300 Kiwi travel agents joined the national tourist office’s NZ team plus local representatives and 11 Fiji-based industry colleagues in the four-city event.

Venues for the road show included Christchurch, Dunedin, Tauranga and Auckland from 07-10 February. Tourism Fiji Regional Director Sala Toganivalu said she was confident her team and our industry colleagues had been more than able to demonstrate the appeal the Mamanucas continues to present to Kiwi travellers.

“The region boasts a huge range of accommodation designed to suit all budgets and tastes and a plethora of fun, exciting and culture-filled activities.

“As importantly, the many new developments and travel choices now available within the Mamanucas, offer New Zealand agents a very saleable Fiji holiday option.”

Entertainment at each event was provided by the Kabu Ni Vanua of the Fiji Conservatorium of Music based in Suva, which performed both songs and several traditional Fijian ‘mekes’

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Regional Marketing Officer, New Zealand, Ms Ragigia Dawai at ragigia@tourismfijinz.com

PM and AG presented with AON Visionary Awards

Attending the 2010 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum were both presented prestigious ‘Visionary awards’.

Addressing the crème de la crème of Fiji’s tourism industry at the function held at the Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa, the Prime Minister said that Fiji needed to set an international benchmark when it came to its tourism industry.

The Prime Minister said that tourism in Fiji was no longer about getting tourists from Australia and New Zealand or competing with other Pacific Island countries but was about positioning the destination in the international market.

“Therefore we need to benchmark ourselves internationally. By benchmarking ourselves internationally, I am not saying that we overlook our unique characteristics such as the Fijian hospitality but what I am saying is that our products, our service will be judged according to international expectations of the now international traveller,” he said.

“As equity holders in hotel properties, the relaxation of foreign investment rules, zero rating of tourism items, duty concessions on tourism related equipment such as jet ski’s, yachts and buses and the introduction of the Super Yacht decree are such initiatives and drivers,” he said adding that the modernisation of Fiji’s laws, policies and infrastructure development also has a positive impact on the tourism sector.

Chairman of the Hexacon Group of Companies Hazif Khan received the coveted ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.

The AON Board of Trustees also gave out a ‘Special Citation Award’ in honour of the late Bruce Moonie, former managing director of both Captain Cook Cruises and Coral Sun Fiji. The Special Citation Award is given to individuals who have forged to advance the tourism industry and who have made special contributions in most areas of tourism.

The full list of AON award winners is as follows:

1.     FRONTLINER OF THE YEAR : Matelita Tuinivanua of the Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa

2.     FIJI EXPERIENCE: Feejee Experience

3.     INCENTIVE, EVENTS, TOURS & TRANSPORT : Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

4.     ENVIRONMENT/LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY: Matava Resort

5.     RESTAURANT & DINING: Cross Restaurant, Radisson Fiji Resort

6.     ACCOMMODATION BUDGET: Uprising Beach Resort

7.     ACCOMMODATION QUALITY: Malolo Island Resort

8.     ACCOMMODATION DELUXE: Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

9.     ACCOMMODATION UNIQUE: Namale Island Resort

10.   SPECIAL CITATION: Bruce Moonie

11.   LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Hafiz Khan

12.   VISIONARY: Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s marketing officer and AON FETA secretariat, Ms Kelly Eastgate at keastgate@tourismfiji.com.fj

Me’a Kai: The Food and Flavours of the South Pacific

Complete with plentiful servings of Fiji recipes, ‘Me’a Kai: The Food and Flavours of the South Pacific’ has been named the Best Cookbook in the World for 2010 at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

Commenting on the launch of the new book, Tourism Fiji Regional Director New Zealand, Sala Toganivalu said she is delighted with the showing Fiji’s cuisine earns in the new cook book.

This, she said was indicative of and very strong recognition of the huge strides now taking place on Fiji’s culinary scene where traditional foods and cooking techniques are being blended with western technique to offer a new, innovative, colourful and – of course – highly delicious range of cuisine. This award builds beautifully on the success achieved by Fiji’s Nadi Bay Hotel whose inspirational cookbook ‘Under the Mango Tree’ written by the resort’s co-owner Anntoinette Fifer went on to earn world-wide recognition in 2007.

One of Fiji’s best-known photographers Shiri Ram played a major role in providing the beautiful images contained within the new book while Dr Tracy Berno, who assisted author Robert Oliver, is a former lecturer in Tourism studies at the University of the South Pacific in Suva.

For further information please contact Ms Yvonne Thynne at YThynne@randomhouse.co.nz

BLC takes out prime honour at AIME 2011

The iconic Fiji boutique cruise operator beat off strong international opposition to take out the honour, presented to the company as part of the influential EventConnect.com inaugural ‘Preferred Suppliers Awards’.

Commenting on the win, Blue Lagoon Cruises’ CEO, Tim Stonhill said the receipt of the award represented major recognition for the company.

“This is an acknowledgement of our ongoing ability to deliver a world-class MICE product combining a very relaxed and highly informal ‘barefoot’ approach in a truly unique South Seas environment,” Mr Stonhill said.

For further information, please visit www.bluelagooncruises.com

Captain Cook Cruises launches inaugural circumnavigation of Vanua Levu with new ‘Discovery Cultural Cruise’

Captain Cook Cruises will officially launch its new ‘ Discovery Cultural Cruise’ on 22 March at Port Denarau on board MV Reef Endeavour and simultaneously in Sydney on board MV Sydney 2000.

The ‘Discovery Cultural Cruise’ is a seven night cruise circumnavigating Vanua Levu, while at the time exploring the islands, rivers and rainforests that make up Fiji’s second biggest island.

For further information, please contact Captain Cook Cruises – Discovery Cruises at fiji@captaincook.com.au or visit www.captaincook.com.au

Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa to undergo major refurbishment

The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa has announced a three-stage refurbishment estimated at FJD1.3 million commencing 28 March.

Phase one will see 25 guestrooms refurbished with a completion date set for 28 April.

Stage two, which will see a further 33 rooms refurbished, will take place between 28 April and 07 June while phase three, comprising a further 36 rooms, will take place from 17 October to 28 November.

The refurbishment covers all room types – from Garden View to Ocean Front .

This project is part of an overall FJD5 million refurbishment for all 273 guestrooms and suites which in the long term is expected to be completed by 2013.

For further information, please contact the resort on + 679 675 0000

Fiji to host jazz and blues festival

Air Pacific and Tourism Fiji have joined forces to stage the first ever Fijian International Jazz and Blues Festival to the island nation.

The event, which will be held between 12-15 May at Port Denarau, Fiji with a line-up comprising several world-class jazz, blues and soul music performers attending from Canada, New Zealand, Australia, England, American Samoa and the United States.

Among those confirmed is New Zealand guitar legend, Billy TK Jnr; UK blues guitarist, Tony Painting; internationally-acclaimed jazz pianist, Phil Broadhurst and US crooner, Diana Harris.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s senior marketing officer, Mr Thomas Valentine at tvalentine@tourismfiji.com.fj

Castaway Island launches new wedding website

Showcasing the full range of its varied wedding and honeymoon options, Castaway Island’s new online wedding planner can now be viewed at http://www.castawayfiji.com/our-island/weddings.

For further information please email weddings@castawayfiji.com.fj.

Harvest Time for Wine Lovers and Upcoming Winemakers Dinner at the Sofitel

Sofitel in association with Victoria Wines will hold its first ‘Western Wine Tastings’ on 21 March at La Parisienne when guests will have the opportunity to sample up to 15 leading wines from Australia, New Zealand, Chile and France.

As part of the program, four winemaker dinner events have also been scheduled to take place in the resort signature restaurant – V.

For further information, please contact the Resort’s Business Development Manager, Mr Tuma Duikete at
h5706-sb03@sofitelfiji.com.fj

Fiji holiday responsible for Aussie Olympian’s tilt at London 2012

It was a holiday at Castaway Island that has been the catalyst for Aussie swimming’s comeback king Geoff Huegill to return to the sport and have a crack at winning gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

“Skippy” as he is affection lately known to all Australians said the peace and tranquillity he found at Castaway inspired him to overcome any reservations he may have had about a come-back.

“I just needed some space and time to contemplate my future and a holiday in Fiji with my fiancée Sara (Hills) was exactly what was required,’ he said.

“It was the perfect romantic getaway – we needed the time together to talk about my future, our future and whether, ultimately, I was going to swim on.’

Geoff’s decision to once again target Olympic glory is the latest step in an amazing journey for the Aussie favourite.

His remarkable comeback, winning gold at last year’s Commonwealth Games after shedding a whopping 45kg, inspired the nation and will go down as one of the greatest moments in Australian sporting history.

For further information, please visit www.castawayfiji.com

David Hunt and Peter Beer rejoin Hexagon group of hotels

Hexagon Group of Hotels has announced David Hunt and Peter Beer have rejoined the organisation as co-managers of the Group’s Seashell @ Momi resort.

Mr Hunt and Mr Beer first started with the Group in March 1995 when they leased the Grand Melanesian Hotel. They then moved to co-manage the West Motor Inn, now the Hexagon International Hotel Villas & Spa and the group’s flagship hotel for more than nine years.

Both have extensive experience in hotel management and Peter is also a Food & Beverage expert. The two new Managers will be responsible for upgrading the accommodation, menu, and guest facilities as well as expanding wholesaler and industry support in particular for the surf, dive, conference and family markets.

For further information, please contact hexagongroup@connect.com.fj

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