‘Captain Cooking’ up a storm in NZ

Bringing a new focus on Fiji to a boil in the New Zealand market and adding further spice to the huge impact TV food-oriented programs are now having in almost every Kiwi’s kitchen, Tourism Fiji and Captain Cook Cruises will combine resources to bring one of the country’s highest profile celebrity chefs to Fiji in November.

The chef in question is celebrity gourmand Simon Gault whose role as a judge on the NZ version of the international hit cooking show ‘Masterchef’ has made him one of the biggest household names in the land of the long white cloud.

Gault has agreed to make a special appearance on board Captain Cook Cruises’ ‘Reef Endeavour’ which departs on a four-day Yasawa Island cruise on 08 November – a program Tourism Fiji Regional Director, Sala Toganivalu said was already selling faster than hot cakes in a Balmoral bakery. Going to air nationally on Sunday nights, ‘Masterchef’ draws some of the best ratings ever seen on NZ TV.

“Make no bones about it, cooking shows are very much the flavour of the moment these days and in New Zealand, ‘Masterchef’ is attracting huge numbers of followers,” Ms Toganivalu said.

Having the opportunity to have Simon Gault in Fiji has given us the opportunity to introduce a new depth and add spice to our marketing of Fiji outside of the more traditional channels.

"Not only does this cruise target a brand new audience for Fiji within New Zealand, it also resonates extremely well with our current high profile 'Lucky Me – Fiji Me' national advertising strategy."

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji's New Zealand Regional Director, Ms Sala Toganivalu at sala@tourismfijinz.com

Tourism Fiji worldwide ‘Romance Me’ video clip competition reaches final stages

The video clips are in and voting has begun.In just a few short weeks, Tourism Fiji will be naming the winners of two fantastic, romantically-oriented packages up for grabs as part of the national tourist office’s 2011 ‘Romance Me’ worldwide video promotion.

If the 2010 voting result is anything to go by, Tourism Fiji’s www.fijime.com website will be inundated with responses from around the globe - last year the event attracted more than 211,000 votes.

The national tourist office has once 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 as part of the ‘Romance Me’ worldwide video promotion.

To enter couples simply needed to submit a video clip to Tourism Fiji detailing why Fiji is the world’s most romantic venue for weddings, honeymoons and vow reaffirmations.

The first prize up for grabs 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.

The best eight videos can be easily viewed at www.fijime.com/romanceme/vote.

Website visitors will be given the opportunity to vote for the best two clips, winners being decided by who receives the most votes with winners’ names will be announced at the end of May.

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

TF to participate in Melbourne Bridal Expo

Further underlining the appeal Fiji holds for the Australian wedding and honeymoon market Tourism Fiji will attend the Melbourne Bridal Wedding Expo which is scheduled from 18 – 19 June at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji Australia regional marketing officer, Ms Luisa Finiasi at lfiniasi@tourismfijioz.com

Fiji Islands Backpackers Forum 2011

Tourism Fiji in cooperation with the Fiji Islands Backpackers Association will again stage a major ‘Backpacker Forum’ at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel in Nadi on Friday, 24 June.

The main intention of the event forum as in previous years is to further build ongoing relationships between FIBA, the local tourism industry, key stakeholders and government.

The program will again include a series of both local and international speakers who will address various issues seen as being critical to this key segment of Fiji’s overall tourism industry.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji’s marketing officer, Ms Kesaia Marau at kmarau@tourismfiji.com.fj

Relatively speaking - British TV show seeks Fijians with UK family ties

British documentary producer Dragonfly TV has called on Tourism Fiji support to help find people in Fiji who think they may have distant relatives in the United Kingdom.

The production company is currently compiling material for a new TV series – ‘Guess the Relative’ – which offers people from all over the world to get the chance to travel to Britain to discover living British relatives who they never even knew existed.

Given the UK’s strong historical connections with Fiji the chances are that there are several people in Fiji who fit the program’s bill and will be on their way to the UK before they know it.

Dragonfly Film and Television Productions Ltd, Assistant Producer – Development, Tom Pullen said the program was intended as a fun and entertaining show, all about family history and finding distant living relatives. “If we do find someone suitable in Fiji then we would visit them in the programme and then invite them to come to Britain to meet their long lost relatives,” he said.

“Their ancestor might be several generations back and come from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland - but if they have any link to the UK whatsoever, we want to hear about it!” Anyone who thinks they fit the bill should make contact with the program, please contact relatives@dragonfly.tv

London calling – Tourism Fiji UK stages ‘Fiji Me – Affordable Fiji ’ agents famil

Tourism Fiji and participating industry partners recently hosted five senior UK travel agents on a week long familiarization trip from the 04- 11 May 2011 in which they were able to experience firsthand the diverse range of products now available for the UK backpacker segment.

The group was hosted by Fiji Experience and Awesome Adventures Fiji covering Viti Levu and the Yasawa Islands.

For further information, please contact Tourism Fiji marketing officer, Ms Kesaia Marau at kmarau@tourismfiji.com.fj

'BEFRIEND ME' - TOURISM FIJI FACEBOOK PAGE NOW UP AND RUNNING

It's even easier to become a friend of Fiji simply by visiting the official Tourism Fiji facebook page located at www.facebook.com/TourismFijiInternational

Turtle Island Resort offers agents the chance to win a trip to Paradise

Turtle Island Resort is offering two free all-inclusive getaway trips to the top two travel agents booking the most nights between now and 31 december 2011.

Prize one is a seven-night all-inclusive stay for two people in a Grand Beachfront Bure valued at FJD15,000.

Prize two is a five-night all-inclusive package for two people in a Deluxe Beachfront Bure valued at FJD11,000.

For more information please contact Dennis Keenan Ph:360-256-4347 or email dennis.keenan@turtlefiji.com

Australian Junior Masterchef meets Fiji Senior Masterchef

Taking time out for the Easter school holidays, one of Australia’s best known ‘Junior Masterchefs’ Alex Gearing and family recently holidayed at Castaway Island Resort where the 11-year-old gastronome took the opportunity to swap notes and recipes with the resort’s head chef, Australian Lance Seeto.

Asked about his first impressions of Fiji, Alex said everyone had been so nice!

Asked about his first impressions of Chef Seeto, Alex said he was very impressed.

“His food is really good and I love how he has infused a little bit of Fijian culture in all his dishes. I really felt like I was in Fiji when I ate his food. And lots of lots of coconuts too!”

As a parting gift and memory of his stay, Chef Seeto presented Alex with a specially-made Castaway Island cap embroided with the word “Chef”.

For further information, please contact the Sales & Marketing Manager, Ms Karen Marvell at karen.marvell@castawayfiji.com.au

Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa Announces New Appointment

Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa has announced the promotion of Mr Kushend Kumar to Director of Sales.

Mr Kumar has worked with the company for almost 16 years, his career beginning at the former Mocambo Hotel in Nadi which was previously owned and managed by the Shangri-La group.

A fluent Japanese speaker, Mr Kumar began his career with the Shangri-La as a Japanese co-coordinator and receptionist. From there he moved through various positions and roles ending up his career in Mocambo as Front Office Manager. He was then transferred to his Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa where prior to his new appointment, he rose to the position of Senior Sales Manager and Revenue Manager followed until his current promotion effective 01 April, 2011.

Mr Kumar is originally from Labasa.

For more information, please contact Communications Manager, Ms Lata Yaqona at lata.yaqona@shangri-la.com or visit www.shangri-la.com

Northern Air Services expand services to Levuka

Northern Air Services has announced a new service operating between Suva and Levuka daily from Monday to Saturday. Fares lead in at FJD80.00 one way.

Tourism Fiji CEO Josefa Tuamoto said the new development represented a major boost for tourism potential in the Lomaiviti region.

For further information on schedules and prices, please contact northernair@connect.com.fj or contact Levuka Tourism Association Press Officer, Mr John Milesi at levukahomestay@connect.com.fj

Sofitel ‘Keen for Green’ on Earth Guest Day

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa General Manager, Adam Laker and his hotel team recently decided to apply their green thumbs in order to help celebrate the 41st International Earth Guest Day on 22 April.

The Sofitel team decided to sponsor two local schools in a tree planting project to set an example to local children on the importance of conserving and sustaining the local environment.”

More than 40 Sofitel ambassadors and hotel staff signed up to participate along with local school children from Ratu Navula Secondary School and Nadi District Primary School for Earth Guest day planting fruit and palm trees at each school.

For more information contact Ms Rebecca Freestun at rebecca.freestun@accor.com or visit www.sofitelfiji.com.fj.

Rosie Holiday announces Rugby World Cup package options

Rosie Holidays has been appointed the exclusive Fiji Islands ticket agent for all 2011 Rugby World Cup ticketing and packages under an arrangement with New Zealand-based House of Travel.

For further information, please contact rugby@rosie.com.fj

Fiji reaches across the Pacific to help Japan

The General Manager of Fiji’s Wananavu resort, Ben Plummer and his team have organized a fundraiser event to be held at the Wananavu resort on Saturday 30 April with the aim of raising $50,000 for victims of the recent Japan earthquake.

Tickets for the event are $100 per person, with $50 of the ticket price going directly to the Red Cross appeal to help Japan. The event will include fine food and entertainment throughout the evening as well as silent and live auctions on the night to raise money for Japan.


Local Fiji businesses have shown tremendous support of the Wananavu event by providing a range of items for the auction, including spending a day with the Digicel Fiji 7’s Rugby Team, two nights for two at Turtle Island, golf and Lunch for four at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa and a hot air balloon flight for two from Adrenalin.

For those who can’t attend the event, email bids are accepted on the auction items simply by sending an email with bids to stay@wananavu.com. For those people who would like to donate an auction item or make a financial contribution to the cause, they can send their phone number in an email and the Wananavu team will be in contact.

For more information contact ben@wananavu.com or call +679 669 4433

Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa Celebrates First Anniversary of Earth Day Thursday

Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa celebrated its first birthday today for its weekly Earth Day Thursday. Earth Day Thursday was launched last year on the 21 April by His Excellency The President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Since its inception, the resort has planted 600 mangrove seedlings with guests and volunteers, an estimated 2,500 guests have participated in Earth Day Thursday activities, 364+ hours of awareness has been done through the Little Chiefs Club Cool Zone and 75 fish houses have been placed in the water as part of our coral restoration work at the Resort.

The resort’s General Manager, Michael Monks said since the establishment of the Shangri-La Marine Education Centre at the end of 2009, the Shangri-La has seen more than 5,000 hotel guests, as well as visiting school children, visit the resort’s environmental centre.

“This has been an integral part of our efforts to raise awareness on marine conservation issues as well share some of the work that we have been doing for some time here at Yanuca.

To date, a total of 104 mangrove seedlings (two for each week since the inception of the event) have been planted by guests’ children as well as staff members..

“This is very much a part of our activities in not only raising awareness but ensuring that all those who participate have fun and, at the same time, give back something meaningful to the community in which we are located,” Mr Monks said.

For more information, please contact Communications Manager, Ms Lata Yaqona at lata.yaqona@shangri-la.com or visit www.shangri-la.com.

Tokoriki new management

Tokoriki Island Resort owner, Andrew Turnbull,has announced that Robert Ring and Patrice Belle have been appointed as the resorts new management team.

Both Rob and Patrice need no introduction as they have both had substantial experience with Fiji and Fiji Island Resorts.

For further information, please contact the resort at marketing@tokoriki.com

Shangri-La named best overseas family resort in luxury Travel Magazine Gold List Awards

Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa has been named Best Overseas Family Resort in the 2011 Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List Awards.

The annual Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List Awards are one of the most comprehensive luxury travel surveys undertaken in Australia and are widely accepted as the country’s premier travel awards.

For more information please contact Ms Lata Yaqona, Communications Manager at lata.yaqona@shangri-la.com.

Sheraton Resorts Fiji’s new boss

Sheraton Resorts Fiji has announced the appointment of Mr Ravinder Dhesi, as Hotel Manager for Sheraton Fiji Resort and Sheraton Denarau Villas on Deanaru Island.

Prior to his appointment, Mr Dhesi was Director of Finance for the resort complex and also Executive Assistant Manager for Sheraton Resorts Fiji.

Born and bred in Votualevu, Nadi, Mr Ravinder has worked with Starwood Hotels and Resorts for 12 years. This includes roles in Australia.

For more information, visit www.starwoodhotels.com/fiji.

Peter Hopgood named new FIHTA Coral Coast Chapter Chairman

Outrigger on the Lagoon General Manager, Peter Hopgood has taken on the role of Chairman of the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association - Coral Coast Chapter.

Mr Hopgood said the aim of the newly installed chapter would be to combine the talent and resources of those professionals to market the Coral Coast in their source markets - New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

Hopgood replaces Bob Kennedy - who held the post for 15 months

Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort announces Director of Sales

Ms Lisa Rangitutia has been appointed as the Director of Sales for the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa.

Ms Rangitutia joins Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa from The Lancemore Group based in Melbourne where she was the Director of Sales – MICE. Her experience also includes stints with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Rydges Hotels & Resorts and IHG.

Her previous Fiji experience includes a role as the Director of Conventions at Westin and Sheraton Resorts in Denarau.

For further information, please contact the Executive Assistance Manager, Mr Heather Cornish at Heather.Cornish@interconti.com

Anchorage appoints new Resort Manager

Anchorage Beach Resort and Beachcomber Island Resort has announced the appointment of Ms Shareen Dau as Resort General Manager.

Ms Dau was previously Reservations Manager with Mana Island Resort & Spa.

For further information, please contact the resort at anchorage@connect.com.fj

Ocean Charters

Ocean Charters is proud to announce the commencement of charter services aboard MV Aurora, a 30ft classic ‘Pelin Topaz’ style launch, fitted for comfort with full protection from the elements, a toilet and running water. It can seat 12 adults and has a top speed of 30 knots.

The company is able to provide 24 hour exclusive inter island transfers, private charters, guided snorkeling adventures and island hopping services.

Ocean Charters offers number of services, including “Your Heart’s Desire” VIP/Honeymoon

For further information, please contact General Manager, Mr. Nick Cooper at nick@oceanchartersfiji.com Of visit www.oceanchartersfiji.com

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