July visitor arrivals keep Fiji on track for strong 2011 result

Setting yet another new benchmark for Fiji visitor arrivals, figures released by the Bureau of Statistics show the destination welcomed more than 72,000 international visitors in July.

The actual 72,067 total represents an 7.1 per cent increase over the 67,263 figure recorded for the same period in 2010 and effectively takes Fiji's 2011 seven-month total to 374,801.

This in itself represents an 8.6 per cent increase over the 345,017 recorded for the period January-July 2010.

Australian visitor arrivals again increased, rising by 7.1 per cent to reach 34,263 in the process eclipsing the previous July record of 31,986 set in 2010.

Tourism Fiji CEO, Josefa Tuamoto said while the ongoing strong Australian dollar was playing a role in maintaining ongoing growth from this key source market, much of the growth could be directly correlated with the highly targeted campaigns Tourism Fiji's Australian office has successfully mounted with key airline partners, including Air Pacific, Virgin and Jetstar, retailers and wholesalers.

Feedback received from these partners, he said, indicated some very healthy forward booking patterns which would play a major role in Fiji maintaining projected 2011 targets of some 660,000 international visitor arrivals.

Figures from New Zealand jumped too with July 2011 arrivals showing a very healthy 11 per cent increase to reach 15,693, a 1553 increase over the 14,140 recorded for the same period last year.

While visitor arrival figures emanating from other key markets – the US, Canada and UK – remained more or less stable registering only slight fluctuations, the biggest monthly percentage increase was again achieved by Chinese visitor arrivals, up an impressive 77.1 per cent from 1334 in July 2010 to reach 2363 this year.

Mr Tuamoto said he was extremely gratified with the China result which he said was solid justification for the increased efforts the national tourist office, Air Pacific and industry partners combined have mounted in several key Chinese cities in recent months.

The release of the July visitor arrival statistics coincided with figures released by the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association which show average length of visitor stay in July has increased from 9.2 days to 9.3 days.

For further information, please contact marketing officer, Ms Kathy Koyamaibole at
kkoyamaibole@tourismfiji.com.fj

Tourism Fiji launches 'Everything under the sun' to NZ market

Tourism Fiji has launched a new dedicated information booklet intended to underline just how 'multi-faceted' the destination has become and the appeal it offers to every traveller – irrespective of taste, requirement or budget.

Presenting the new 72-page 'Everything under the sun' booklet to the NZ travel industry in Auckland, Tourism Fiji Regional Director New Zealand, Sala Toganivalu said the new publication has been specifically designed to draw attention to the huge array of options Fiji now offers to the New Zealand market.

"These ever-evolving Fiji of today just about caters to everyone - from romantic hideaways to fun-filled family holidays, from lush, luxury island resorts to boutique cruising, world-class spas and a huge range of soft adventure activities and most importantly of all, irrespective of budget.

"While many travel professionals are aware that Fiji offers a plethora of first-class opportunities, this new guide more than underlines just why Fiji thoroughly enjoys such a popular stance in the local market," she said.

"The booklet is in essence the perfect tool to help industry experts match their clients' expectations with the experiences and facilities they require for successful business events, family holidays, weddings and romantic getaways, high-octane adventures and luxury escapes in Fiji.

"As they will see for themselves, Fiji really does offer their clients 'everything under the sun.'

Pictured Ms Toganivalu and GO C&I General Manager, Wayne Harris at the launch of the new booklet.

The booklet will be distributed to more than 900 retail and wholesale travel agents plus 360-plus event organizers, professional conference organisers and incentive companies.

For more information, please contact Tourism Fiji Regional Director New Zealand, Sala Toganivalu at
sala@tourismfijinz.com.

'Fiji Me' Trade Convention 2011 – a huge success

Local tourism industry goes face to face with NZ and US travel professionals on Plantation Island

Plantation Island Resort's convention centre provided the venue this month for a key industry trade day allowing 50 local resort operators and hoteliers to interact on a face to face with close on 100 New Zealand and US travel professionals visiting the destination on educational programs.

These included 45 New Zealand Matai specialist travel professionals and 48 members of the US 'All About Honeymoon & Destination Weddings' group.

Three members of the US-based Travel Impressions Group, North America's largest leisure tour operator, also attended the event.

Entertainment on the day was provided by the Fiji Police Band which led all participants from a Musket Cove Resort cocktail hosting and on Anandas Restaurant at Plantation Island where they were treated to a series of Fijian cultural dances.

For further information, please contact marketing officer, Kiniviliame Raicebe at kraicebe@tourismfiji.com.fj

Tourism Fiji NZ scoops top award at PAICE

Fiji has taken out top honors at the 2011 Pacific Area Incentives and Conferences Expo (PAICE) in Auckland winning the 'Regional stand of the year award' at the prestigious annual event.

Adding further lustre to the occasion, ATS Pacific Fiji was also named as runner-up in the 'Best individual stand of the year' category title. Tourism Fiji New Zealand Regional Director, Sala Toganivalu (pictured receiving the 'Regional stand of the year award' from Travelinc editor Stu Freeman) said the double award was strong recognition and acknowledgement of the effort the Fiji team put into the annual event. "As importantly, these awards are indicative of the strong profile Fiji now enjoys in the New Zealand marketplace, evidence of the results we have achieved via our ongoing 'Fiji Me' marketing strategy and the huge inroads we made keeping Fiji top of mind on a national level throughout the recent RWC 2011," Ms Toganivalu said.

Coordinated by Tourism Fiji's regional New Zealand office, the Fiji team attending the event at the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre included Air Pacific, Adrenalin Fiji, ATS Pacific Fiji, Blue Lagoon Cruises Fiji, Plantation Island Resort, Rosie DMC Fiji, Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Sonaisali Island Resort, South Sea Cruises and Tadrai Island Resort.

Held annually for the last eight years, PAICE this year attracted 114 offshore event and incentive suppliers and The Pacific Area Incentives & Conferences Expo (PAICE) enables New Zealand based incentive and conference organisers to research and source products and services from a wide selection of offshore suppliers under one roof on one day.

For more information, please contact Tourism Fiji Regional Director New Zealand, Sala Toganivalu at
sala@tourismfijinz.com.

Tourism Fiji warms up wintry London with heavy dose of 'Bula Spirit' at WTM

The Tourism Fiji UK team and industry partners making the long trek to London has made a major splash at the 2011 World Travel Market.

Taking place at the Excel exhibition centre in the Docklands of East London, the Fiji stand located in a very central area, attracted major attention from the thousands of daily visitors attending the event with an average 1000 visitors per day including newly appointed High Commissioner, His Excellency Solo Mara and famous West Indian cricketer, Brian Lara.

Theme for the Fiji stand this year was Rugby with all visitors receiving a souvenir squeezy rugby ball to give out to all our visitors and a welcome bottle of refreshing Fiji Water while several traditionally-dressed Fijian warriors and dancers were on hand to serenade, dance and take pictures with visitors throughout the day.

Visitors were also given the opportunity to sample kava while watching demonstrations of traditional Fijian handicrafts including 'Tapa' Christmas angels for Christmas tree decoration. The national tourist office was joined by Air Pacific, Tokoriki Island Resort and Pacific Destinationz.

The team also sold traditional frangipani flowers to raise money for WTM's charity "Just a Drop" foundation.

Pictured: from left to right: Cody Nasili, Edward Ellwood Air Pacific; Epi Nakanacagi, Claire Chamberlain Lotus Holidays; Thomas Valentine, Tourism Fiji, Debbie Lewis, David Johnson, Candy Andrus Air Pacific and Brian Challis from the USA Holiday Team

For more information contact Tourism Fiji UK Representative, Ms Jane West at jane@ihml.com

First wave of Europe-based travel professionals hits Fiji for 'Europe Bula Academy'

A group of 125 Europe-based tour operators, media and Matai specialist travel agents from 14 countries including Russia visited Fiji as part of a Tourism Fiji 'Europe Bula Academy'.

The objective of the Academy was to educate the operators and agents on the ever increasing travel opportunities the destination represents to their many different client bases.While in Fiji they visited Nadi, Denarau, Coral Coast, Mamanuca, Yasawa, and the North where they had the opportunity to


undertake a variety of sightseeing tours, soft adventure activities, spa treatments and experience firsthand Fiji's unique living culture.

A key part of the visit was a full day workshop that took place on 12 November at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa which the entire group participated in.

The arrivals were given a true taste of the 'Bula Spirit' on arrival at Nadi International Airport when they were met by Fijian warrior escorts, the surprise welcome organised by Airports Fiji Limited in conjunction with the inbound tour operators involved in helping to make the program a possibility.

These included ATS Pacific, Rosie Holidays Tours, Tourist Transport Fiji, Pacific Destinationz and APTC (Fiji) Ltd.

For further information, please contact Europe Regional representive, Ms Karin Zwiers at k.zwiers@interface-net.de

Tourism Fiji NZ winds up Ellerslie/RWC promotion with final flurry of activity

Tourism Fiji has finally brought its highly successful RWC 2011 promotional activity to a successful conclusion announcing the winner of the a 'Fiji World Cup holiday' promotion running in Ellerslie, the Auckland suburb adopting the 'Flying Fijians' as part of the city's 'Adopt-a-team campaign' during RWC 2011.

Helping keep Fiji very top of mind during RWC 2011, the national tourist office joined forces with local retailers to launch a consumer competition offering shoppers the chance to win a Fiji holiday.


All locals had to do to have the opportunity to win a five-night holiday for two to Mana Island Resort & Spa, was spend a minimum of $15.00 in a local shop to go into the draw to win the prize.

Giving retailers an incentive to also get involved, the Ellerslie shop keeper with the best dressed Fiji window display also stood to win a holiday for two to Anchorage Beach Resort/Beachcomber Island Resort.

Air Pacific also partnered in the promotion offering prize winners return economy airfares.

The winner of the consumer promotion, one of 5000 entrants taking part, was Ellerslie local William Hung, a planner with Auckland City Council, who entered the draw while enjoying a coffee at the suburb's popular Café Melba.

The winner of the best dressed window display was ladies fashion outlet Regalia, coincidentally owned by former Fiji resident Nicole Lew who grew up and went to school in Suva before returning to her native New Zealand at age 16.

The Ellerslie shopping promotion was one of a whole series of events – from a week-long cultural program to traditional dance and music displays - taking place in the suburb during RWC 2011 with heavy involvement from Auckland's Fijian community.

The activity also included a series of concerts performed by Fiji's world-famous Police Band flown to New Zealand specifically for the event.

Tourism Fiji was also able to brand the village for the six weeks of the tournament with pole banners throughout the town featuring a rugby/Fiji Me theme.

Tourism Fiji Regional Director New Zealand, Sala Toganivalu, said the national tourist office's involvement in the major Fiji-oriented activity in Ellerslie and surrounding the 'Flying Fijians' presented a huge opportunity to promote the destination in Auckland throughout RWC 2011.

"Fiji might not have won the Webb-Ellis trophy this time around but the destination has certainly taken out top honours with the efforts by all involved in keeping Fiji very top of mind during RWC 2011,"she said.

For more information, please contact Tourism Fiji Regional Director New Zealand, Sala Toganivalu at
sala@tourismfijinz.com.

Digital Jungle Wins over Tourism Fiji with Social Media

Tourism Fiji has appointed digital marketing agency Digital Jungle to help plan, execute and measure integrated digital marketing campaigns for the national tourist office.

Founder and CEO of Digital Jungle, Dr. Mathew McDougall said Fiji had great potential of becoming the next hot tourist spot for Chinese travelers, numbers for which have been rapidly increasing since Air Pacific first started a direct-Hong Kong/Nadi service three years ago.

Social Media in China is flourishing and it starts having a significant impact on tourism as well. According to iResearch statistics, online travel booking market in China in 2010 was CNY61.6 billion (USD9.67 billion), that is 58.4 per cent growth compared to CNY3.89 billion in 2009 (0.69 billion USD).

Currently over 60 per cent of Chinese Internet users make purchase decisions based on online reviews.

For more information please visit www.digitaljungle.com.cn/

Tourism Fiji 'Romance Me' video clip competition winners arrive in Fiji

Pictured, reaffirming their wedding vows on Vomo Island, American couple Susan and Jeffrey Normand from Cincinnati, runners-up in Tourism Fiji's recent 'Romance Me' video clip competition.

The Normands' prize – return airfares flying Air Pacific, three nights at Vomo Island Resort inclusive of all meals plus the special reaffirmation ceremony and a further two nights at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa with breakfast.

The couple also received VIP 'meet and greet' services courtesy of transport partner Tour Managers while Tokman Imagez provided special photographic memories of the event.

Making sure that everything went smoothly behind the scenes, Tourism Fiji quickly nipped a potential problem in the bud when the couples' Los Angeles flight arrived a little late due to poor weather conditions.


The national tourist office promptly enlisted the support of local helicopter service Island Hoppers to make sure the couple reached Vomo in time to enjoy the fullest extent of their stay.

As with the 2010 Tourism Fiji 'Romance Me' video clip competition, the 2011 attracted entries from all over the world with winners being decided by www.FijiMe.com website visitors voting for their favourite clips.

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

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

Air Pacific confirms new Airbus A330 aircraft

Air Pacific has confirmed its long-term fleet strategy via the order of three brand new Airbus A330-200 aircraft to replace the airline's ageing fleet of Boeing 747 and 767 aircraft.

The aircraft are due for delivery from early 2013 and Air Pacific's Managing Director and CEO David Pflieger said the wide bodies were earmarked to be operated on flights to Fiji from Auckland, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Sydney.

"This decision is a significant milestone in our 60-year history because it will be our first-ever purchase of new wide-body airplanes, and these state-of-the art A330s are clearly going to be planes that our customers and the people of Fiji will be thrilled to fly," Mr Pflieger.

The A330s will be equipped with the latest in cabin seats and in-flight entertainment, with the optimised 222-inch wide fuselage able to accommodate more passengers and cargo than a Boeing 767.

Meanwhile, in what represents a significant boost for inbound tourism to Fiji, the national carrier has signed a code share agreement with American Airlines.

Subject to United States government approval, American Airlines' code will appear on Air Pacific flights from Los Angeles and Honolulu to Nadi, along with services between Nadi and Suva.

For more information visit www.airpacific.com

BULA FIJI Tourism Exchange 2012

The BFTE Secretariat is inviting registrations for BFTE 2012, now the premier travel mart for the South Pacific which will take place from 15-17 May at Port Denarau.

For more information, visit www.bfte.com

Namotu World Paddle Challenge Fiji

The Namuto World Paddle that took place from the 13 – 17 November drew many of the world's top competitors in the sport to Fiji in what has been an exciting celebration of the growth and diversity of Stand Up Paddling, now one of the world's fastest growing sports.

The four-day schedule included an open clinic for the public and underprivileged youth in Fiji to experience Ocean Sports leading to a culturally driven Opening Ceremony at the InterContinental Resort.

This was followed by a 31km 'down winder' from the InterContinental Hotel at Natadola Beach to Namotu Island Resort on the 14th and on the 16th, a Namotu Surf Slalom event.

The Cloudbreak Surf Exhibition took place on the 17th with several top athletes including current World Champion Kai Lenny along with Jamie Mitchell, Connor Baxter and legendary watermen Dave Kalama and Robby Naish taking to the world-famous Cloubreak.

The event concluded with The Musket Cove Fun Day when the public were invited to join in fun races and relays and a major party for the closing of this spectacular event

For further information, please contact Tony Philp at tony@vudamarina.com.fj

Aboard-a-Dream Dive Charters launches new luxury cruise option

Aboard-a-Dream Charters has launched its new 50 ft aluminium live-a-board catamaran vessel. MV. Tatadra.

Catering s for up to six guests overnight and 13 for day cruises, the new vessel can be chartered for diving, surfing and snorkeling trips to remote areas and/or island hopping. Locations include the world-famous Namena Marine Park, famous for its bottomless drop-offs, multi-colored soft corals gardens and abundant marine life.

For further information, please visit www.aboardadream.com or www.republicofdiving.com

Into 'The Blu' with Deni Hines at Radisson Blu Resort Fiji

Award winning, multi-platinum selling artist Deni Hines will perform at the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji, Denarau Island, Fiji on Christmas Day 2011.

One of Australia's foremost entertainers Hines will perform some of her hits and classics on the fabulous Ocean Deck at the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji.

This will be a first-time visit for Hines who said Fiji had always been her wish-list.

"What better place to perform at than the Radisson Blu Resort," she said.

For further information, please contact the Radisson Blu Resort Director of Sales & Marketing, Ms Shashita Nand at snand@radissonfiji.com

Matava goes eco-Wi-Fi

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort on Kadavu has installed a state of the art WiFi system through its satellite communications solution running off the in-house solar power.

While the resort's main bure complex offers internet connectivity, the best areas for reception are at the far right of The Manta Bar and in the charging station area.

The WiFi connectivity is available from 9am to 5pm during solar power activation times.

For more information visit www.matava.com

Fiji bliss for US yogis

A competition to win a yoga retreat in Fiji run by Yoga Journal, the top selling yoga magazine in the US has attracted a stunning 230,000 entrants with the happy winner, a New Yorker, now planning to attend one of the yoga courses run at Daku Resort in Savusavu.

The retreats at Daku offer a range of yoga teachers from the US and Australia. Daku has established a niche as Fiji's top yoga destination and has the largest custom built yoga shala in the South Pacific.

With the year almost at an end, there are two more retreats scheduled as follows:

24 Nov – 01 Dec – 'Anusara Yoga' with Noah Maze, and,
11 – 18 December - 'Heart of Yoga' with Mark Whitwell.

For more information, please visit www.yogainfiji.com.

Hilton appointment 1 - Bonjour Msr. Lebegue, new GM at the Fiji Beach Resort & Spa

Hilton Worldwide has announced the appointment of Frederic Lebegue as General Manager of the Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, managed by Hilton.

A native Frenchman, Mr Lebegue brings 26 years of experience to his new role at the Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, managed by Hilton, including over a decade with Hilton Worldwide.

In his previous role as General Manager of the Waldorf Astoria Maldives, he oversaw the rebranding of the luxury resort and other significant improvements.

Prior to his role at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives, Mr Lebegue held roles as Resident Manager at the Conrad Bali Resort & Spa in Indonesia, and Director of Operations at the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, where he played an integral role in the enhancement and re-launch of the Hilton Maldives as the Conrad Maldives in December 2007.

For more information, please contact the Sales Manager, Ms Heather Gordon at heather.gordon@hilton.com

Hilton appointment 2 - Shane Avant joins Fiji Beach Resort & Spa as Executive Chef

One of his fist tasks since being General Manager at the Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, managed by Hilton, Frederic Lebegue has announced the appointment of Shane Avant as Executive Chef.

Mr Avant, who joins Hilton Worldwide from Vomo Island Resort where he held the position of Executive Chef, will be responsible for the operations of the resort's dining outlets.

Mr Avant began his career working under one of New Zealand's finest and most awarded chefs, Phillip Kraal, at Le Bon Bolli in Christchurch, before moving to The George, Christchurch's boutique luxury hotel. While in this role, he won the Oceanic final of the Confrerie De La Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Commis Chefs and went on to be awarded second place in the prestigious world finals in Paris.

Mr Avant has held top positions in renowned hotel and restaurants, including Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong, Peppers Palm Bay in the Whitsundays, and Peppers Spices Peak Lodge near Brisbane. excited to see how he evolves the dining experiences of our resort's food and beverage outlets."

For more information, please contact the Sales Manager, Ms Heather Gordon at heather.gordon@hilton.com

Port Denarau Marina – Fiji's first super yacht marina

The newly upgraded Port Denarau Marina is now ready to play its part in helping to transport Fiji from a subsidiary part of the New Zealand and Australian cruising grounds into a destination in its own right.

Until now, super yacht owners have chosen to cruise these waters relatively alone, with little infrastructure in place for super yachts and charters. That has all changed following three years of considerable modifications being made to the marina, including the addition of a brand new Bellingham Marine floating jetty for visiting craft.

The port also offers dry stack facilities with a 35 ton travel lift and a six ton marina bull forklift to transport yachts. There is also a hardstand area with space for 12 boats with a storage area for up to 30 vessels. The storage area is particularly useful to yacht owners during the cyclone season when it is used to protect vessels, particularly sailing yachts.

There are also 16 large workshops, which service the boat yard as well as commercial operators. Services include sail making, chandlery, engineers and yacht services.

Fiji's location in the tropics means that the yachting season is predominantly confined to the 'dry' season between April and November, avoiding the possibility of cyclones.

As part of the strategy to ensure Fiji's place on the world map of super yacht destinations, 2010 saw the government pass a 'Super Yacht Decree'. This legislation is designed to facilitate the yacht charter industry and help local businesses. Under the decree, super yachts are free to charter in Fiji for up to a year.

Nadi Christmas Markets 2011

Fijians alike everywhere else in the world love Christmas and making sure that the destination is full to the brim with the usual Yuletide spirit, Nadi Town Council in conjunction with Tuckers Ice Cream will be staging Christmas Markets from 02-10 December at Prince Charles Park.

More than 6,000 people per day – locals and tourists alike – are expected to visit the markets which are open daily from 9.00 am – midnight. Market stalls will be offering a whole range of products ranging from clothing, traditional artefacts, souvenirs and art plus a huge range of food and beverage outlets.

The Christmas Markets have also been geared to offer a busy calendar of events and entertainment, fun and games for all ages. These include dance spectaculars from both local Fijian and Indian dance troupes, live bands, competitions and what would a C Christmas Market be without a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, carols and of course – Santa.

For more information please contact MOD Events at mod.eventsfiji@gmail.com

If you have any news items you wish to submit to Bul@tin, please send your copy on MS word and any supporting pictures as JPEG images to fijimebulatin@tourismfiji.com.fj by the 5th of December 2011.

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