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THE VERDICT IS IN! US
TRAVEL AGENTS GIVE REVIEWS OF RECENT “FIJI ME” ROADSHOW
The Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau thanks all of its valued
industry partners for joining last month’s “Fiji Me” Roadshow in the United States The Bureau would like to
share comments from travel agents as gleaned from the
Infotech eResearch survey undertaken following the
Roadshow. Eighty-eight percent of those surveyed stated
that they found it very educational, while 97 percent
rated the format highly. More importantly 89 percent
stated that they now have more confidence in selling Fiji.
Below is a recap of the agents valuable comments from the
e-survey:
•“It was educational. It made me realize Fiji is heaven on
earth. What I remember most about Fiji is the interaction
with the local people – this was the best experience.”
•“The program was organized well, began on time, and
everyone was friendly. The song at the end sealed the deal
on how professional you are.”
•“It makes me want to be a Fiji Specialist”
•“I loved the ‘Fiji Me’ seminar booklet which had great
quality information on Fiji and its hotels and resorts.”
•“I loved the Fiji fabric that everyone wore – great,
enthusiastic group – I felt this was the best event I have
been on in the past several years.”
•“I liked the ‘Fiji Me’ seminar booklet – It was an
excellent way to take notes.”
•“Very informative, professionally presented – how nice to
have the right tools to pass on to clients regarding
Fiji!”
•“I am very clear now on what differentiates Fiji from
Tahiti.”
•“The format was excellent—the trade show followed by a
brief presentation through a sit down dinner, and then an
opportunity to revisit trade show talk with suppliers”
Information: http://www.fijime.com
GRAND CIRCLE PARTNERSHIP PAYS DIVIDENDS FOR FIJI
Fiji tourism will play host to around 4,000 US visitors
this year as a result of the Fiji Islands Visitors
Bureau’s 2007 marketing partnership program with Grand
Circle. The result also shows a 44.1 percent increase from
last year’s 2,775 visitors. In addition to addressing off
peak travel demand, the visitors are expected to
contribute in excess of US$1.7 million tourism revenue and
10,000 room nights into Fiji’s economy. The US seniors
market has been identified by the Bureau as one of its key
markets, as this 78 million demographic is responsible for
over 60 percent of all discretionary spending and in
particular 55 percent of travel expenditure in the US
market. It expects to expand the program further as part
of its long-term efforts to capture a bigger market share
of this lucrative segment.
BUSY 4TH QUARTER FOR FVB NORTH AMERICA’S MARKETING PROGRAM
The Bureau’s North American market is gearing up for a
very busy 4th quarter in terms of its promotional presence
in the US and Canadian markets. Save the date and mark
your calendar for the below:
SPF40 September 20-22, 2007 – Westin, Long Beach,
CA
Sun-sational
South Pacific September 25-27, 2007 – Vancouver,
Toronto, Canada
ITME September 25-27, 2007 – Chicago
DEMA October 30-November 3, 2007
Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau is also looking at a major
Fiji promotional exercise in California pre- Los Angeles
Times Travel Show that is scheduled for February 10-11,
2008 at the Long Beach Convention Center in California.
Further details will be forthcoming.
PODCAST BULA BECOMES
POPULAR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR TRAVELERS
Podcast Bula continues to be a popular resource for
travelers, according to George Lanzaro of Parmamagoo
Media. LLC Fiji’s news destination video has surpassed
1,900 total plays, downloads, and subscribers as of July
12, 2007. Many potential travelers are locating the video
through search engines, such as itunes and youtube.
Information: www.fijime.com
PRESIDENT OF GREAT
ESCAPE TRAVEL SERVICES SHARES POSITIVE CLIENT FEEDBACK
Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau has received great feedback
from Great Escape Travel Services regarding the company’s
clients, who have recently honeymooned in Fiji.
“A couple, who recently honeymooned in Fiji shared with us
that the rafting trip on the Luva on Viti Levu was their
favorite part of the trip and a total National Geographic
experience.”
Information:
http://www.greatescapetraveller.com/
Jeanne Crouse, President/Great Escape Travel Services
Information. JNaka@bulafiji-americas.com.
FIJI RECEIVES RAVE
REVIEWS FOR RECENT MATAI FAM TRIP
According to regional coordinator Fiji Matai Specialist
Program Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau, Jese Naka, rave
reviews regarding the recent Matai fam trip in May, 2007
have been pouring in.
“What a fabulous FAM …thank you so much for organizing an
action-packed ten nights. As the FVB hopes and I
anticipated, I confirmed a new booking last week for
$12,000.Thanks to you for all that you do and for your
tremendous effort in bringing the US to Fiji.”
July B. Pirrung/JET SET World Travel, Inc.
Information: JNaka@bulafiji-americas.com
FIJI TO HOST 18th
HOBIE 16 WORLD’S COMPETITION
Suva will host the 18th Hobie World's Competition from
October 8-19, 2007. Organizing this year’s event is the
International Hobie Class Association, in conjunction with
Hobie Fleet 252 and the Fijian Yachting Association. The
race will involve five disciplines: Women's, Youth, Open,
Masters Cup, Grand Masters Cup.
Information: http://www.hobieworlds.com/
“FIJI ME” WITH MOON
FIJI: RENOWNED GUIDEBOOK DEBUTS 8TH EDITION
Avalon Travel Publishing has just announced the release of
the 8th edition of Moon Fiji, the original travel guide to
the 322-island Fiji archipelago. Moon Fiji has been the
leading travel guidebook to Fiji since 1985. A new ‘Blue
Section’ in the front of book includes a five-page essay
entitled “Discover Fiji.” The book also highlights “Lay of
the Land” with summaries of Fiji’s nine regions, “Planning
Your Trip” with advice on when to go to Fiji and what to
take, and “Explore Fiji” with two specific 14-day
itineraries titled “The Best of Fiji” and “Island-Hopper
Special.” Priced at US$19.95, this book is distributed in
the United States by Publishers Group West, in Canada by
Publishers Group Canada, in Europe by HI Marketing, and in
Australia and New Zealand by Bookwise International.
To
order online, visit:
http://www.southpacific.org/fiji.html
UNDERSEA PRODUCTIONS
RELEASES DVD GUIDE TO MARINE LIFE OF FIJI AND TONGA
Undersea Productions has recently compiled and released a
DVD identification guide that captures almost 1,300 plant
and animal species from the South Pacific region. Three
years and three thousand dives in the making, it has been
created by marine biologists Josh Jensen and Liz Harlin
for divers and marine enthusiasts alike. The footage was
filmed exclusively in Fiji and Tonga, and is sold in a
package including two DVDs and a comprehensive 16-page
illustrated reference booklet. A demo chapter of the DVD
may be viewed on the website.
Information: http://www.underseaproductions.com
$F45 MILLION NEW
PORT DENARAU COMPLEX TO SET SOUTH PACIFIC STANDARD
The new $F45m Port Denarau Retail and Commercial Center,
aimed at setting a new visitor experience in the South
Pacific, is now open to the public on Denarau Island. The
center includes 32 retail shops and 28 commercial spaces
and includes Hard Rock Cafe, New Zealand Natural Ice
cream, Esquire Coffee, and Waitui Surf. Developed by Tabua
Investments, the center is managed by L J Hooker.
Information: L J Hooker (Fiji)
http://www.denarau.com/VAC/PORTDEN/MAIN/mainPOR.htm
or scott@portdenarau.com.fj
PHILIPPE COUSTEAU
JOINS COUNTERPART INTERNATIONAL’S ADVISORY COUNCIL
International explorer and conservationist, Phillippe
Cousteau Jr., has joined the Advisory Council of
Counterpart International, the Washington D.C.-based
non-profit development and humanitarian agency. Cousteau
says his basic mission is “to empower individuals to take
action for a sustainable future.” This goal meshes
seamlessly with the mission statement of Counterpart
International. Counterpart International, along with
Partners in Community Development Fiji, is currently
implementing a program to regenerate Fiji’s Coral Gardens
Reef. Coral Gardens is Counterpart International’s
innovative community-based approach to the conservation
and regeneration of reef systems, which also enables local
coastal communities to earn a living.
Information: www.counterpart.org
WARWICK FIJI RESORT
& SPA INTRODUCES “NORTHERN HEMISPHERE SPECIAL” FOR 2007 &
WINTER 2008
The Warwick Fiji Resort is extending a special offer to
travelers featuring four nights at the resort for the
price of two. This incentive is valid if booked between
July 27, 2007 and October 31, 2007. The travel periods
include the end of July through December 20, 2007, and
January 15, 2008-March 31, 2008. Also included in the
package is breakfast and a Meal Deal Value offer,
featuring lunch and dinner for an additional FJD$30 a day
per person.
Information:
http://www.warwickfiji.com
THE NAVITI RESORT ON FIJI’S CORAL COAST DEBUTS “NAVITI
SPECIAL”
The Naviti Resort is offering a six night stay for the
price of only FJD$999 when purchased now through September
30, 2007. The travel period includes anytime between now
and December 15, 2007. This special includes an Ocean View
Room and a full buffet breakfast daily.
Information: http://www.navitiresort.com.fj/
SONAISALI ISLAND RESORT PROVIDES ALL MEALS FOR GUESTS
STAYING FIVE NIGHTS OR MORE
In this special offer, valid from now through March 2009, Sonaisali Island Resort will provide three complimentary
meals a day for guests staying five nights or more.
Information: http://www.sonaisali.com/
MATANGI PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT FIJI FEATURES “STAY 7 PAY 5”
SPECIAL
For a limited time, Matangi Private Island Resort Fiji is
offering a special rate where guests pay for a five-night
stay and receive two additional nights free of charge.
This special offer also includes all meals, laundry
service, recreational activities and accommodations for
special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Information: http://www.matangiisland.com/
KORO SUN RESORT FIJI UNVEILS SEVERAL VACATION AND WEDDING
SPECIAL PACKAGES
Just in time for Fall, 2007, Koro Sun Resort Fiji has made
several special packages available to their guests. Most
notably, the “Seven Nights in Paradise” Package offers
seven nights accommodation for the cost of six nights in
any room category, three gourmet meals per day,
complimentary round-trip ground transfers to/from Savusavu
Airport, plus the added option of either the Deluxe
Romance Package or the Adventure Package at no additional
charge. The cost for this package is US$1020. The “Free
Wedding in Paradise” Package Includes all the features of
the “Seven Nights in Paradise” package, as well as the
“Deluxe Romance Package” and a “Free Wedding”, which
provides flowers for the bride and groom, a ceremony by
minister in the location of the couples’ choice, and a
marriage license. The cost of this package is US$1095.
Information: http://www.korosunresort.com/
MARAVU PLANTATION BEACH RESORT LAUNCHES FIJI’S FIRST
HOLISTIC HOLIDAY PACKAGE FOR BODY, MIND, & SOUL
In June 2007, Maravu Plantation Beach Resort & Spa became
the first resort in Fiji to offer a unique Holistic
Holiday Package for the spiritually-minded guest.
Highlights of the package include guided meditation, a
self-hypnosis seminar, tarot card readings, a self-love
seminar, a forgiveness walk, horse feng shui, beach
bonfires, a photo safari, painting and planting, creative
writing, yoga, a dolphin session in the ocean, message in
a bottle, stargazing, starlight dinners, and dancing. Of
special interest is Lovo Night, where guests will attend a
traditional Fijian feast.
Information: http://www.maravu.net/
SHANGRI-LA FIJIAN RESORT OPENS LARGEST FREE STANDING
MEETING CENTER
Shangri-La's Fijian Resort on Fiji’s pristine Coral Coast
has recently opened the Ratu Makutu Events Center. This is
Fiji's largest stand alone meetings facility with a
capacity of almost 7,000 square feet, accommodating
500-600 people in a reception/classroom setting. The new
center spotlights contemporary Fijian design, and is
furnished with the latest audio and visual technology and
technical facilities to meet the demands of the today’s
conference and incentive market. Information:
www.shangri-la.com
MUSKET COVE ISLAND RESORT UNLEASHES THREE SPECIAL NEW
ACCOMODATION PACKAGES FOR FALL
Three enticing new packages are now available for Fall,
2007 at Musket Cove Island Resort. The new packages
feature:
•Kana Levu Meal Special: For FJD$195 per person, travelers
will receive five days worth of a la carte meals. For each
night beyond the five night stay, meals can be purchased
for FJD$39 per person/per night. This package is available
to a maximum of two persons per bure or villa.
•R & R Special (Romance…Relax…Rejuvenate): This package is
being offered to celebrate the opening of the Mandara Spa
at Musket Cove. Book five nights at Musket Cove Island
Resort and receive bonus inclusions valued at FJD$700,
which includes spa treatments and daily breakfasts for
two.
•Stay Five Nights and Only Pay Four Nights: Book five
nights at Musket Cove in a bure or villa and receive the
fifth night free. This offer also includes one bottle of
wine upon arrival.
Information: http://www.musketcovefiji.com/
BLUE LAGOON CRUISES SERVES UP NEW ONBOARD PRIVATE DINING
EXPERIENCE
Blue Lagoon Cruises is now offering a romantic, new
onboard ‘private dining experience’ in a stunning
sealed-off section of the deck for four and seven-day
‘Gold Club’ cruise passengers. The package includes a
cheese platter, appetizer, entrée, dessert and a bottle of
wine, all for the price of FJD$150, or approximately $90
US per couple.
Information:
www.bluelagooncruises.com
SENIKAI SPAS TEAMS WITH SEVERAL OF FIJI'S LEADING RESORTS
TO PROVIDE REJUVENATION AND
WELL-BEING
Since opening in 1998, Senikai Spas has established nine
new spa locations for beauty and relaxation in Fiji. As
the demand for Senikai services spreads throughout the
islands, Senikai Spas continues to expand its chain of
spas, located throughout Fiji's finest Hotels and Resorts.
Senikai specializes in bridal packages, corporate and
group packages, and group massages for island day trips.
Mobile therapists are available for any designated
location throughout Fiji. Below is a list of resorts with
Senikai Spa retreats:
•Shangri-La Fijian Resort
•Golf Terraces
•Tokoriki Island Resort
•Vomo Island Resort
•Treasure Island Resort
•Fiji Mocambo Hotel
•Mercure Hotel
•Captain Cook Cruises - Reef Escape
•Bounty Island Resort
•Senikai Spa Express - Nadi International. Airport
Information:
http://www.fijisenikaispas.com/spa_senikai.cfm
MANA ISLAND RESORT FIJI PRESENTS “STAY 6 NIGHTS PAY 3
NIGHTS” SPECIAL
This July through September 2007, Mana Island Resort Fiji
is pleased to offer guests the chance to purchase six
nights at their resort for the price of three. The travel
period for this offer extends through to December 2007. In
addition, children under the age of twelve may stay and
eat for free at the resort when accompanied by two adults.
Information: http://www.manafiji.com
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