ZIP FIJI LATEST ADVENTURE CRAZE IN FIJI
Zip Fiji, Fiji’s only canopy zip line adventure operator, has found a popular following among locals and tourists since it’s opening earlier this year. Located at Wainadoi near Pacific Harbor, the zip line adventure course traverses the treetops using specialized climbing equipment over horizontal cables against the backdrop of the majestic Namosi Mountains. Zip Fiji works closely with professionals from Costa Rica, where the zip line was invented, to ensure that this attraction remains fun as well as safe for travelers near and far.
Information: www.zip-fiji.com

JACK HANNA PRAISES SIGATOKA RIVER SAFARI AS “BEST IN THE WORLD”
After experiencing the Sigatoka River Safari earlier this year, eminent wildlife conservationist Jack Hanna has proclaimed this popular tourist attraction as the “best experience in the world.” The four-hour jet boat safari takes travelers on an unforgettable journey along Fiji’s longest river system, deep into the fertile “Salad Bowl” valley of Fiji. The tour starts in Sigatoka Town on the Coral Coast and includes a visit to a Chief’s bure, a tour of a Fijian village, interaction with local communities, a “kava” ceremony and a traditional Fijian lunch. Sigatoka River Safari is the winner of the 2007 Fiji Tourism Award for the best adventure tourism experience in Fiji. The tour operates Mondays to Saturdays with 2 tours per day at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pickups are available from Nadi and the Coral Coast. Information: http://www.sigatokariver.com

FEEJEE EXPERIENCE UNVEILS NEW VALUE TRAVEL PACKAGES
Feejee Experience, an adventure and travel tour company that offers unique adventure and culture offering in both Fiji and New Zealand, has just unveiled a new “Tribal Loop” travel package in addition to a new “Combo Pass: that offers accommodations and adventures to different parts of the Fiji Islands. Information on all-inclusive travel packages can be obtained by visiting Feejee Experience’s new website http://www.feejeeexperience.com


FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU NEWS

“FIJI ME” ROADSHOW CULMINATES FOR SUMMER WITH POSITIVE REVIEWS
Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau, along with Air Pacific and many of the exotic destination’s hotel and tour partners concluded the summer portion of the “Fiji Me Roadshow” this past August 8, 2008 with final stops in Denver, Colorado, Phoenix, Arizona and Southern California. “Fiji Me Roadshow” is an opportunity for travel professionals to learn about the Pacific Island destination. Participant Dorothy Gleason of Connections Online LLC attended the Denver Roadshow event on August 5, 2008 and offered the following testimonial: “My husband Carroll and I want to let you know how exceptional the “Fiji Me” event was in Denver. From the music to the presentation and the food, everything was very well done. We cannot wait to visit Fiji. The resorts look awesome. Thank you so much for including us both.”
Information: Adeline Lee Erasito; 310-568-1616, ext. 203; alee@bulafiji-americas.com.

MEDIA GATHER AT CALIFORNIA YACHT CLUB IN MARINA DEL REY FOR FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU LUNCHEON
Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau hosted a media luncheon on August 8, 2008 at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey. Forty one journalists were in attendance to learn about the latest resorts, attractions and news news from the Pacific Island nation. Colin King of the Fiji Trade Commission and Sue Gunaca of the Fiji Consulate were also in attendance. Regional Director The Americas Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau Ili Matatolu Bureau addressed the luncheon attendees, noting, “Of the 1.2 million visitors who traveled to the South Pacific in 2006, 44% came to Fiji.”
Information: Ili Matatolu; 310-568-1616, ext. 204; ili@bulafiji-americas.com

FIJI TOURISM BOARD AMPLIFIES EFFORTS IN CANADIAN MARKET FOR THIRD QUARTER OF 2008
The Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau is increasing its marketing efforts in Canada through participation at two major upcoming promotions, “Sunsational South Pacific” and the “Thomas Cook Winter Program Launch.” The “Thomas Cook Winter Program Launch” is planned for August 18-21, 2008 and will visit Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. “Sunsational South Pacific” will take place from September 8-11, 2008 and covers Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna, and Vancouver. Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau is currently targeting 19,000 Canadians to visit Fiji in 2008.
Information: Sera Cawanibuka; 310-568-1616; sera@bulafiji-americas.com.

FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU PARTNERS WITH SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE TO CREATE VIRTUAL TOUR OF FIJI DIVING EXPERIENCES
Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau and its industry partners have joined Sport Diver Magazine to provide a comprehensive 12–month “Virtual Destination Tour” of Fiji’s top scuba diving experiences. The tour will be launched August 19, 2008 on http://www.sportdiver.com. The virtual tour showcases the best of Fiji diving experiences around Viti Levu, Kadavu, Beqa Island and Taveuni. It also displays diving imagery, detailed descriptions of dive sites, testimonials, tactical packages and current marine conservation programs in Fiji designed to protect the Islands’ unique marine ecosystems. Regional Director Ili Matatolu described the program as “A ‘win-win’ partnership that will highlight the best of Fiji’s extensive and stunning scuba diving experiences.”
Information:www.sportdiver.com or www.fijime.com

FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU 2008 NORTH AMERICA EVENTS

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS

FIJI TAKES PART IN WORLD YACHT RALLY EVENT
Earlier this month, Blue Water Rallies held its eighth annual yacht tournament in Fiji. The tournament began in Savusavu and continued for ten days before sailing to Musket Cove for a two-week stay. The round-the-world cruising rally chose Fiji for its popularity, geographical positioning and access to top-of-the-line facilities.
Information: pandarally@aol.com or visit www.bluewaterrallies.com

RUGBY TENS TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF IN NADI THIS OCTOBER
The Rugby Tens Tournament kicks off in Nadi from October 18-25, 2008. A total of 40 international teams are expected to participate in the tournament organized by Horton Ella Group and sponsored by Air Pacific, Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau and the Fiji Rugby Union. The winning team will receive a grand prize of FJ$25,000.
Information: rob@hortonella.com or mark@hortonella.com or http://www.fijitens.com


INDUSTRY UPDATE

THE FIJI ORCHID RESORT OPENS ITS DOORS IN NADI
Located 18 kilometers north of Nadi International Airport, The Fiji Orchid boutique resort opened its doors on August 8, 2008. The conveniently located Fiji Orchid will provide the ultimate in comfort and personalized service for those who wish to obtain a brief rest between their international flight and their holiday through Fiji.
Information: info@fijiorchid.com or visit www.fijiorchid.com

INTERCONTINENTAL TO OPEN LUXURY PROPERTY IN NATADOLA BAY IN 2009
The Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group (IHG) plans to open a luxury property in Fiji midyear-2009. The Resort, managed by Intercontinental Hotels Group, will be known as Intercontinental Resort Fiji. The luxury 275-room hotel will be located at Natadola Bay located about 40 minutes drive from Nadi International Airport. Natadola Beach was recently voted by Forbes Traveler as one of the world’s top 25 sexiest beaches. Proposed facilities include: 275 rooms built to IHG standards, an 18–hole golf course designed by Vijay Singh, beachside rooms, garden-view rooms and hilltop villas with plunge pools. Other elements include separate adult and children swimming pools, extensive meeting facilities, specialty restaurants, a club lounge and a free standing spa. The hotel project is expected to inject $40 million into the local Economy in its first year of operation, in addition to providing employment opportunities for 1,100 locals and generating a “secondary industry" for people in Fiji. Intercontinental Hotels are also located in New Zealand and French Polynesia in the Australasian Region.
Information: www.natadolafiji.com

NEW RESORT OPENS IN YASAWA ISLAND GROUP
The new Viwa Island Resort, located in the beautiful Yasawa Island Group, is an intimate boutique resort catering to adults only. The Resort showcases an idyllic setting of beautiful white beaches with pristine turquoise water and is a perfect location for diving, fishing, snorkeling and other water sports. With only 11 deluxe beachfront bures available, guests who come to Viwa Island Resort will enjoy a secluded and memorable stay.
Information: www.viwaislandresort.com

OUTRIGGER ON THE LAGOON FIJI APPOINTS NEW SENIOR EXECUTIVE
Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji has appointed Australian hospitality professional Leon Pink as the new Director of Rooms at the five star, Coral Coast resort. Pink has held senior positions at some of Australia’s leading luxury hotels and resorts, including Hayman Island and Brisbane’s Hilton Hotel. Prior to joining Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Pink was employed by Stella Hospitality Group as the Sunshine Coast Area Manager. In his new role, Pink will assist General Manager, Darren Shaw in overseeing a range of resort operations together with managing the resort’s exclusive Bebe Spa Sanctuary. Pink’s international hotel experience includes helping to open London’s 5-star Sanderson Hotel, where he won the prestigious “Employee of the Year” award in 2000. Widely experienced across all operational divisions, Pink’s role at Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji will enhance the strong, dynamic team employed by the award-winning resort.
Information: darren.shaw@outriggerfiji.com or corina@markpr.com.au

TANOA HOTELS APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Gordon Wilson has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive of the Tanoa Hotels Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Reddy Group. Mr. Wilson is a
vastly experienced industry professional who has spent many years in the industry in Europe, Africa and most recently in New Zealand where he headed up the Millennium Hotels - New Zealand's largest hotel company.
Information: tanoa@tanoahotels.com.fj;
visit www.tanoahotels.com

TREASURE ISLAND OPENS NEW POOL COMPLEX
Treasure Island Resort recently opened its new pool complex comprising 3 pool areas with the main feature being a horizon pool. The new pool complex complements current facilities and beach setting.
Information: Group General Manager, Mr. Graeme Back on email: treasureisland@connect.com.fj

DOMESTIC AIRLINES REVEAL ROUTING UPDATE
Domestic airlines, Air Fiji and Pacific Sun will operate daily services into Labasa for all Savusavu bound passengers during the temporary closure of the Savusavu Airport. Ground transfers can be liaised directly with the Resorts or alternative arrangements will be available at Labasa Airport. For information about flight schedules and current ticket holders, please email the respective airlines directly: savusavu@airfiji.com.fj for all enquiries with Air Fiji, or reservations@airpacific.com.fj for all enquiries with Pacific Sun.

ISLANDS HOPPERS IMPLEMENTS NEW FUEL SURCHARGE
Island Hoppers will be implementing a fuel surcharge on all new bookings effective now due to the recent increase in fuel prices. The helicopter company operates from sunrise to sunset and offers package tours in addition to chartered transfers. For more information email: islandhoppers@connect.com.fj or
visit www.helicopters.com.fj
 

HOT DEALS

VIWA ISLAND RESORT CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING SPECIAL
In celebration of its grand opening on November 1, 2008, the brand new Viwa Island Resort is offering a “Stay-5/Pay-4” package. The package is valid through March 26, 2009 and includes one free night over the course of a five-night stay at the luxurious Viwa Island Resort.
Information: www.viwaislandresort.com

TAVEUNI ISLAND RESORT OFFERS TEMPTATION PACKAGE
Taveuni Island Resort & Spa is now offering a “Stay-7/Pay-5” package valid through March 31, 2009. Ideal for honeymooners seeking the ultimate hideaway, this package offers two nights free during a weeklong stay. The package is valid for a stay in any one of the twelve ocean view bures or in the two-bedroom luxury villa that includes a private plunge pool, staff and chef.
Information: resort@taveuniislandresort.com or www.taveuniislandresort.com

JOURNEY PACIFIC DEBUTS 10 NIGHT ALL-INCLUSIVE “YOUNG & YOUNG AT HEART” FIJI PACKAGE
Journey Pacific travel specialists have created a ten-night all-inclusive package for the “Young And Young at Heart.” For just $1,999 per person plus airport taxes travelers will receive the following:
• Round-trip Economy Air from Los Angeles to Fiji on
  Air Pacific
• Meet and Greet upon arrival in Fiji
• All costs of transportation in Fiji
• Three nights at Mango Bay Resort
• Three nights at Beachcomber Island Resort
• Four nights at Manta Rays
• All meals and activities
Information: 877-704-7094; www.journeypacific.com

MANA ISLAND RESORT & SPA ANNOUNCES NEW DIVE PACKAGE RATES
Diving enthusiasts take note—Mana Island Resort & Spa, Fiji is offering new diving packages that include special dive rates along with room accommodations. These offers are available through March 31, 2009 and are based on a three-night stay.
Information: http://www.manafiji.com

YASAWA ISLAND RESORT AND SPA PROVIDES AN EXTRA NIGHT FREE FOR EVERY TWO NIGHTS BOOKED
Yasawa Island Resort and Spa is offering an extra night free for every two nights booked through December 15, 2008. This offer gives guests a great excuse to stay a little longer in paradise.
Information: lucyyasawa@mac.com; www.yasawa.com.

For those who need an excuse to stay a little longer in paradise, Yasawa Island Resort provides them with several options: Stay 3/Pay2, Stay 6/Pay 4, Stay 9/Pay 6.
Information: lucyyasawa@mac.com; www.yasawa.com.

PARADISE TAVEUNI UNMASKS HEALTH AND HARMONY PACKAGE
Experience an exhilarating and relaxing Fijian holiday while making a difference in the lives of local children. Paradise Taveuni resort in Fiji is now offering a unique vacation package specifically designed to encourage abundant health and harmonize
the natural energies of the body. For each traveler that participates in the package, Paradise Taveuni will donate FJ$200 to the Rotary Foundation of Taveuni to help sponsor children's education in one Taveuni's local villages. The Health & Harmony in Paradise Package Includes:
• 5 nights stay in a new Fijian bure
• All meals
• Welcome gifts on arrival
• Standard resort activities including snorkeling, swimming,
   kayaking, scuba diving, horseback riding, village visits,
   cultural walks, Fiji night and waterfall day tours, an
   invigorating facial or indulgent massage
• Therapeutic activities including counseling, polarity energy
   balancing, crania-sacral energy balancing, reflexology
   energy balancing, Qi Gong, daily stretching, guided
   reflection and meditation
• Taveuni Airport road transfers
• Fiji taxes
Information: http://www.paradiseinfiji.com/WomensFijianParadise.html

SPA UPDATE

SENIKAI SPA OPENS AT MATAMANOA ISLAND RESORT
Senikai Spas recently opened a brand new spa at Matamanoa Island Resort offering indulgent treatments to hotel guests. Senikai Spas offers beauty and relaxation spa treatments in key hotels and resorts in Fiji, including a floating spa experience on a 50-foot catamaran. Matamanoa Island Resort is an intimate private island resort located in the beautiful Mamanuca Islands 30 km west of Nadi International Airport.
Information: sales@senikaispas.com.fj or www.matamanoa.com

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