Bula News March 2010

FIJI WELCOMES 2010 WITH HUGE INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL VISITOR ARRIVALS

Fiji has kicked off 2010 with a 37.6 per cent jump in international visitor arrivals – the best figures the destination has recorded for the start to a new year’s business since 2008.

Figures released this week by Tourism Fiji for January 2010 show the destination attracted a total of 45,362 international visitors in January, more than 9000 increase over the 32,955 recorded for the same period in 2009.

The result is a huge cry from the massive drop the destination experienced in January 2009 following heavy flooding, the natural disaster seen as a catalyst for a massive drop in business.

Once again the Australian arrival result was one of the highlights with a total of 21,586 Australians visiting for the month. This represents a 65.2 per cent jump over the 13,070 visitor arrivals recorded for the same period in 2009. New Zealand also registered a strong performance with Kiwi visitor arrivals climbing 49.8 per cent to reach 4801 compared to the 3206 figure achieved last year and in the process setting another January record.

Traffic from the UK/Europe increased by 22 per cent while Fiji’s US business for the period also showed good growth with a 4.1 per cent increase.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Manager Fiji, Ms Fane Vave on fvave@tourismfiji.com.fj or Graduate Trainee, Mr. Iowane Naivalurua on inaivalurua@tourismfiji.com.fj

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TUDEI ENA YALAYALA

Tudei Ena Yalayala (TEY) is Tourism Fiji’s “Keeping the Promise” Quarterly event, where Tourism Fiji presents to the industry and the stakeholders on the summary of activities and achievements.

The first quarter TEY will be held from the 13th – 16th April 2010.

This is your opportune time to be part of an important event to meet with the Regional Directors of Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and the Head office team.

For further information and details of the event, please contact Tourism Fiji ‘s Marketing Officer, Ms Tupou Moe’ofo on tmoeofo@tourismfiji.com.fj

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TOURISM FIJI PROPOSES WEDDING WORKSHOPS IN AUSTRALIA

Tourism Fiji will for the first time conduct a series of industry training workshops detailing the procedures required for overseas visitors getting married in Fiji.

The workshops will take place in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney from 22 – 25 March as part of the 2010 national Australian Wedding Seminar series. This event will annually attract thousands of Australians looking to get married, honeymoon or reaffirm vows in the Fiji Islands.

A regional seminar will also take place in the NSW city of Bathurst on 29 March.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Marketing Officer, Ms Inise Mucunabitu on imucunabitu@tourismfiji.com.fj

For registration, please contact Tourism Fiji Australia, Regional Marketing Officer, Ms Luisa Finiasi on lfiniasi@tourismfijioz.com

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TOURISM FIJI TO SPREAD SOME SOUTH PACIFIC WARMTH ACROSS THE LAND OF THE MAPLE LEAF

Spreading a little Fiji sunshine and a splash of ‘Bula Spirit’ across slowly thawing Canada, Tourism Fiji and its travel partners will the land of the Maple Leaf this coming April as part of a major road show visiting Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver.

The main thrust of the program is to bring Canadian travel agents up to speed with the many ongoing developments taking place in Fiji at the same time providing the consultants with the tools they need to sell the destination.

Program dates as follows:
06 April – Toronto
07 April – Edmonton
08 April – Vancouver

Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with Canadian travel industry writers at a media luncheon scheduled in Vancouver on 09 April.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji The America’s Regional Marketing Officer, Ms Sera Cawanibuka on sera@tourismfijius.com

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KONICHIWA FIJI - TOURISM FIJI / CONTINENTAL INVITES JAPANANESE MEDIA GROUP

Continental Airlines in cooperation with Tourism Fiji will host a key group of Japanese journalists representing several of the country’s top publications later this month.

While in Fiji, the group will visit several locations including Viti Levu and the Mamanucas, the main aim of the program being to showcase to the journalists the many attractions their readers can experience while in Fiji.

Japan continues to represent a major source market for Fiji as evidenced by Continental Airlines decision to commence services ex-Japan to Nadi via both its main Pacific hubs in Guam and Honolulu last September.

Tourism Fiji CEO Josefa Tuamoto said the media visit represented a major boost for Fiji’s tourism industry in the key Japanese market and would play a major role in accelerating visitor numbers from this key Asian visitor source.

Other industry partners in the exercise include Mana Island Resort & Spa, Ahura Resorts, the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island, South Sea Cruises and the Japan Inbound Tour Operators Committee (JITOC).

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s marketing officer, Ms Inise Mucunabitu on imucunabitu@tourismfiji.com.fj

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TOURISM FIJI TO TARGET CHINA/HK MARKET IN GUANGZHOU AND HONG KONG

Tourism Fiji is offering its industry partners a golden opportunity to join the national tourist office at two of China’s biggest annual consumer travel shows - the Guangzhou International Travel Fair which takes place from 23-27 March and ITE Hong Kong which runs from 10-13 June.

Now in its 17th year, the Guangzhou International Travel Fair is recognised as one of the most significant annual international travel fairs in the Asia-Pacific Region and attracts more than 460 exhibitors representing 40 countries.

ITE Hong Kong has grown in just five years to become one of North Asia’s most significant events with more than 30 per cent of its regional trade and corporate visitors emanating from mainland China and other parts of Asia,

The event, and ITE MICE which runs concurrently, is among one of the few travel fairs in Asia offering delegates two full professional days meeting with their international trade and corporate counterparts.

The 2010 is expected to attract huge numbers of exhibitors with more than 80 per cent of those attending emanating from outside of China.

Guangzhou International Travel Fair:

ITE Hong Kong 2010:

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Graduate Trainee, Mr. Kiniviliame Raicebe on kraicebe@tourismfiji.com.fj or Marketing Services Manager, Ms Adeline Lee Erasito on alee@tourismfiji.com.fj

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MEANWHILE IN EUROPE……

Tourism Fiji and key industry partners have combined resources to ensure Fiji and its famous ‘Bula Spirit’ are extremely well represented at three of the northern hemisphere’s biggest tourism industry EXPO’s in 2010.

The national tourist office has confirmed its attendance at both the Borsa Internazionale del Turismo (BIT) in Milan from 18-21 February, the Internationale Tourismus Boerse (ITB) which takes place in Berlin from 10-14 March and the Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (MITT) from 17-20 March.

Industry partners joining the national tourist office include Air Pacific, Rosie Holidays, APTC, A.T.S Pacific, Mana Island Resort & Spa and Sonaisali Island Resort

Tourism Fiji CEO Josefa Tuamoto said it might seem a case of striking while the “iron was still lukewarm” but the timing was perfect for Fiji with several of Europe’s biggest economies slowly beginning to emerge from the GFR on the back of ever improving economical traction.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Senior Marketing Officer, Mr. Thomas Valentine on tvalentine@tourismfiji.com.fj

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TOURISM FIJI TO LAUNCH ROMANCE ME GUIDE AT KEY OZ WEDDING SEMINAR

Complete with comprehensive information on how to get married in Fiji and a huge range of honeymoon packages at more than 30 participating properties, Tourism Fiji will officially release its 2010 Romance Me guide at the Australian ‘Romance Me’ seminar scheduled this month.

The publication will also be made available online.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Marketing Officer, Ms Inise Mucunabitu on imucunabitu@tourismfiji.com.fj

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TOURISM FIJI NZ STAGES NATIONAL ‘FIJI ME’ ROAD SHOW

Hot on the heels of the release of its high profile ‘Lucky Me – Fiji Me’ New Zealand TV advertising campaign, Tourism Fiji’s New Zealand team has hit the ground running promoting the destination to more than 300 Kiwi travel agents as part of a major five city ‘Fiji Me’ road show in both north and south islands.

Taking place in Queenstown, Christchurch, Napier, Hamilton and Auckland, Tourism Fiji regional director New Zealand Sala Toganivalu said the timing of the road shows was perfect and reflected the huge interest the ‘Lucky Me – Fiji Me’ national TV campaign has generated with both consumers and the local travel industry in recent weeks.

Partners in the exercise included Air Pacific and Air New Zealand, Accor Hotels Fiji, Anchorage Beach Resort, South Sea Cruises/Awesome Adventures Fiji, Beachcomber Island Resort, Blue Lagoon Cruises, Mana Island Resort & Spa, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Plantation Island Resort and Lomani Island Resort, Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island, Sonaisali Island Resort and the Tanoa Hotel group

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji New Zealand Regional Marketing Officer, Ms Ragigia Dawai on Ragigia@bulafiji.co.nz

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AIME 2010

Fiji has been extremely well represented at this year’s AIME (Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo) staged in Melbourne from 02-03 March.

A 17-strong Fiji travel industry team led by Tourism Fiji CEO Josefa Tuamoto, and Tourism Fiji Regional Director Australia Paresh Pant attended the event which is now in its 18th year and firmly established as one of the biggest events for the local meetings and incentive industry.

More than 6000 international industry representatives attended the event staged as in previous years at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Fiji team included representatives from Air Pacific, Ahura Resorts, ATS Pacific, Blue Lagoon Cruises, Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Pacific Destination, Radisson Fiji Resort Denarau Island, Rosie DMC, Shangri-la’s Fijian Resort & Spa and Starwood Hotels/Westin Resorts Denarau Island. Pure Fiji’s Australian representative Mr Daniel Anania also attended the event.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji Australia’s Regional Marketing Officer, Ms Luisa Finiasi on lfiniasi@tourismfijioz.com

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TOURISM FIJI GETS IT RIGHT AS ‘LUCKY ME’ TVC EARNS TOP THREE NZ AD PLACING

Tourism Fiji’s high profile ‘Lucky Me – Fiji Me’ TV commercial has been named as one of the top three TV advertisements shown nationally throughout New Zealand in January by influential Admedia magazine.

Complete with the extremely catchy ‘Lucky’ song performed by Texan jazz singer Kat Edmonson the ‘Lucky Me – Fiji Me’ advertisement was launched on 24 January on TVNZ One, Two, Three and Prime.

The ‘Lucky Me – Fiji Me’ shared top honours with advertisements produced for Sky TV’s ‘Arts Channel’ and Cerebos Gregg's ‘Café Art’ product.

Signaling a new direction for Tourism Fiji advertising in New Zealand, the ‘Lucky Me – Fiji Me’ ad has been designed to firmly position Fiji as a ‘premium but very affordable travel experience’ for New Zealand travellers.

Created by Tourism Fiji’s Auckland-based advertising agency Barnes, Catmur and Friends, the ‘Lucky Me – Fiji Me’ campaign was shot on location at Natadola Beach on the big island of Viti Levu and at Malololailai in the Mamanuca Islands.

For further information, please contact the Tourism Fiji New Zealand’s Regional Director, Ms Sala Toganivalu on sala@bulafiji.co.nz.

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THANKING YOU KINDLY - SHANGRI-LA ‘S THE FIJIAN TO FEATURE IN TOP RATING AUSTRALIAN TV SHOW

Shangri-La’s The Fijian Resort and Spa in conjunction with Tourism Fiji last month 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 late February.

To be televised on TCN Channel Nine later this year, the program revolves 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.

Launched in 2009 the program is an ongoing hit and regularly attracts an Australian audience in excess of 1.4 million.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s PR Consultant, Mr. Mike Parker Brown on mikeparkerbrown@aapt.net.au

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TOURISM FIJI SUPPORT TO BOOST TOURISM IN LEVUKA / LOMAIVITI

Tourism Fiji CEO had pledged his organisation’s support to the central region’s tourism industry in its efforts to increase awareness of the Levua/Lomaiviti region’s rich tourism potential to an international audience.

Mr Tuamoto’s offer of support follows his meeting last week with the Levuka/Lomaiviti Tourist Association at Mary’s Holiday Lodge in Levuka.

Following the meeting Mr Tuamoto said the national tourist office would provide funding to help the region create and instigate a rolling series of dedicated events designed to showcase the region in the lead up to 'Visit Fiji 1212'.


The national tourist office, he said, will also assist the local tourist association with the production of a dedicated Lomaiviti brochure complete with map, tourist information and proposed itineraries for visitors.

Additional support will also include creation of an online presence via Tourism Fiji’s website and Facebook.

Mr Tuamoto said his visit to Levuka was one of several he would be making to various parts of the archipelago in coming months.

These visits, he said, were part of a strategy intended to see Tourism Fiji work more closely with all regional tourism bodies in order to help spread the benefits of tourism across an even wider section of the Fijian community in the lead up to 'Visit Fiji 1212' and beyond.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Marketing Officer, Ms Tupou Moeofo on tmoeofo@tourismfiji.com.fj

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PROMOTIONAL CALENDAR – UPDATE

The following trade / consumer shows will be represented by the Tourism Fiji regional offices and participating local industry partners:

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AON FIJI TOURISM IN EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Minister for Tourism, The Honourable Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum was guest of honour at the 13th annual AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards held at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa on 26 February.

The awards recognize individuals and organisations who have gone the extra mile to develop national tourism and in doing so, have inspired others to share their vision of a buoyant and enduring service industry of supreme national importance.

As in previous years one of the most important of all the important awards presented is the Visionary Award which this year went to a very deserving Hertz managing director David Voss.

Not only is Mr Voss a driving force in the Destination Suva campaign - he is also the driving force behind what amounts to one of his greatest achievements and one that has had an international impact for Fiji – his stewardship of the annual Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange now regarded as the biggest and most important trade event in the South Pacific.

Mr Voss is attributed as being the main source for the vision and energy behind the event which remains a tribute to his enthusiasm and non-stop efforts.

Other AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards winners were as follows:

• Frontliner of the Year - Shailesh Naidu,Outrigger on the Lagoon Resort. Fiji

• Fiji Experience including Adventure Tourism – Adrenalin Fiji

• Transport, Tours, Environmental, Heritage, Art & Culture – Rosie Holidays

• General Tourism Services including Shopping and Restaurants – Jacks of Fiji

• Accommodation Budget – Uprising Beach Resort

• Accommodation Quality – Naviti Resort

• Accommodation Deluxe – Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji Resort. Fiji

• Accommodation Unique – Namale Resort & Spa

• Special Citation – Jamal Serhan and John Campbell

• Lifetime Achiever – Robert & Annie Wade

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s Marketing Officer, Ms Kesa Marau on kmarau@tourismfiji.com.fj

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SHERATON & WESTIN RESORTS DENARAU ISLAND APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF SALES

Sheraton & Westin Resorts, Denarau Island, Fiji has announced the appointment of Rachel Lester as Director of Sales.

In her new role Ms Lester will oversee the wholesale market as well as develop and drive MICE and leisure business in both Australia and the Americas for Sheraton Fiji Resort, Sheraton Denarau Villas and The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa.

Ms Lester will be based in the Fiji resorts’ sales office located at the Sheraton on the Park, Sydney.

Prior to her appointment Ms Lester held successful positions in group sales at The Westin Harbour Castle in Canada and sales related positions at Sheraton on the Park, Sydney and Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

For further information, please contact the Marketing Communications Executive, Ms Angeline Lal on Angeline.lal@sheraton.com

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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Sister resorts, Malolo Island Fiji and Likuliku Lagoon Resort have joined together to create a ‘Paradise & Heaven’ package for couples.

Both Mamanuca-based resorts are offering the choice of a five or seven night package complete with complimentary bottles of Australian and French bubby, free transfers between resorts and complimentary room upgrades.

For further information, please contact Ahura Resorts, Director of Marketing, Ms Samantha Muspratt on dosm@ahuraresorts.com

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MALOLO COMPLETES FJD2 MILLION UPGRADE

Malolo Island Fiji has completed a major FJD2 million refurbishment program.

In addition to a complete redesign of the rooms - both internally and externally - the resort’s famous “Beach Bar” entry statement has also received a major facelift, there is a new reception, both swimming pools have been completely renovated and the Terrace Restaurant significantly revamped.

For further information, please contact Ahura Resorts, Director of Marketing, Ms Samantha Muspratt on dosm@ahuraresorts.com

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THE WARWICK FIJI RESORT & SPA – SEEING (FIVE) STARS

Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu has been awarded a prestigious five star rating by Australia’s influential AAA Tourism.

Regional General Manager and Vice President for Warwick International Hotels, Mr Jamal Serhan said the five star award was an honor well deserved after all the physical improvements and efforts that had gone into elevating the popular resort’s already very high standards.

Mr Serhan also received a special citation from AAA Tourism in recognition of his significant contribution to the Fiji tourism industry.

Tourism is a private corporation representing Australia's multi-million member automobile associations. The organisation provides an array of tourism and travel products and services including the unique ‘STAR Rating Scheme’ for accommodation providers.

For further information, please contact the Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa’s Sales & Marketing Manager, Mr. Petero Manufolau on pmanufolau@warwickhotels.com

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TOKORIKI ISLAND RESORT AWARDED TRAVELER’S CHOICE AWARD BY TRIP ADVISOR

Tokoriki Island Resort is one of the most Romantic Resorts in the South Pacific according to travelers who voice their opinions on Trip Advisor.

Awarded a 2010 Traveler’s Choice Award by Trip Advisor, Tokoriki Island Resort was voted as one of the “Top Ten Romantic Resorts in the South Pacific.” Winners are based on the millions of reviews about hotels on www.Tripadvisor.com and content from across the web. Now in its eighth year, the annual Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from real travelers.

“We’re delighted to have received an award like this from our guests,” said resort General Manager Mr. Andrew Travers. “We strive to ensure the guest experience here at Tokoriki Island Resort is a memorable one so it’s a pleasure to have been awarded something like this from the people who actually enjoy our resort.”


A boutique resort for couples, Tokoriki Island Resort is located 35 kilometers west of Nadi in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji.

For more information, please visit www.tokoriki.com

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SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS AS PURE FIJI OPENS FIRST RESORT BOUTIQUE

Pure Fiji unveiled their first ever Boutique store at the Sofitel Resort and Spa, Denarau Island, Nadi. The launch was a gala event with the store being officially opened by his Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, and his wife Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau.

Also in attendence were notables from the Fijian business community and social scene as well as Pure Fiji's team of International distributors: Australia, New Zealand, Korea, The UK and The USA.

For further information, please contact Pure Fiji on info@purefiji.com.fj or visit www.purefiji.com

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FIJI CREW FEATURE AT AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Further underlining Fiji’s ever-growing stance as a premium international yachting destination, Port Denarau Marina, Yacht Help Fiji, Musket Cove Island Resort and Robinson Crusoe Island Fiji were high profile at the recent Auckland International Boat Show.

Running from 11-14 March in Auckland’s historic Viaduct Harbour, the main thrust of the Fiji crew’s visit was to further was to underline the Fiji Government’s recent decision to change its Superyacht legislation and the opportunities the new rulings offer to visiting leisure craft.

The new legislation now allows international yachts to moor in Fijian waters for up to 18 months; a move the local tourist industry hopes will attract even bigger numbers of overseas yachties and marine enthusiasts in coming months.

The Fiji team also used the event as an opportunity to highlight the ever-expanding range of yachting and land-based recreational facilities now available at Port Denarau Marina.

For further information, please contact Mr David Jamieson at Yacht Help Fiji on david@yachthelp.com

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MATAVA SCORES PROJECT AWARE ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HAT-TRICK

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has been awarded The Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award for the third year in a row.

Announcing the award, Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson said the Environmental Achievement Award recognises dive operators making a positive impact on local communities and the environment, as well as providing great dive holidays.

According to Dr Drew, Matava's application met all requirements set forth for Project AWARE's Environmental Achievement Award in the process showing exemplary efforts to conserve aquatic environments through education, advocacy and action.

For further information, please contact Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar on info@matava.com

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ISLAND HOPPERS FIJI FLIES INTO NEW ERA FOLLOWING CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

One of the first companies to establish a helicopter service in the Fiji islands, Fiji’s Island Hoppers has appointed John Ambler as General Manager following a change in ownership.

The company offers flights from Nadi International Airport, Denarau Island and the Coral Coast to several resorts located in the nearby Mamanuca Islands. Flight times range from between 10-15 minutes.

Island Hoppers also offers scenic helicopter trips to the highland areas surrounding Nadi and the Mamanuca Islands.

For further information, please visit www.helicopters.com.fj

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