OCTOBER, 2007 VISITOR ARRIVALS SHOW CANADA UP BUT USA DOWN
From January to October 2007 Fiji hosted a total of 65,947 North Americans compared with 67,223 for the same period last year, reflecting an decrease of 1.9% or 1276 visitors. From January to Oct this year the Canadian market increased by 27.8%, from 10,035 last year to 14,371 this year or an increase of 3,129 visitors. The US market decreases by 7.9% 4405 visitors from last year's 55,981 visitors to this year's 51,576.

The health of the US economy, consumer sentiment, in particular the stuttering housing market will no doubt play a role in future travel demand patterns.
Information: Regional Director, Ili Matatolu,
ili@bulafiji-americas.com

TOURISM MASTER PLAN ANNOUNCED THROUGH 2016
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Fiji Tourism Development plan which articulates the vision for the continued growth of the industry for the period 2008-2016. The plan, which replaces the 1998-2005 plan, has among its desired outcomes an annual growth rate of 9%, sees Fiji achieving 1.1m visitor arrivals by 2016 with a corresponding 16,000 rooms inventory. It espouses a strong partnership between the government and the private sector to drive this vision.
More information can be obtained from Regional Director Ili Matatolu on email: ili@bulafiji-americas.com
 

FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU DEBUTS NEW "FIJI ME" WEDDINGS GUIDE
A brand new slick full-color weddings guide to Fiji's top wedding experiences is now available in both print and online versions. The colourful piece includes detailed information on wedding facilities, marriage fees, document requirements, key contacts as well as sample wedding packages from Fiji's top resorts, hotels and cruise partners. The guide is also available in PDF format.
To request your copy please email Vani Vogel on email: infodesk@bulafiji-americas.com or call her on
(310) 568 1616 .
 

INCENTIVE PLANNERS CONFIDENT IN FIJI’S ABILITY TO DELIVER
The Fiji Visitors Bureau in conjunction with Air Pacific and ATS- Pacific were thrilled to host incentive planners from Maritz, Docherty Incentives, Carlson, HelmsBriscoe and Butwin Incentive on a 5 day itinerary in Fiji from 8-15 November. The participants visited Maravu Plantation Resort and Spa, Shangri-la Fijian Resort, Westin Resort and Spa. Radisson Resort Denarau and the Sofitel Resort and Spa. Additionally they had the opportunity to experience an island day trip and the Sigatoka River Safari tour. Tzhelle Trayl, Regional Manager, Helms Briscoe said, “ I am not quite sure exactly how to put in words our good experiences in FIJI. We had a great time and truly learned a lot about the destination. One thing I cannot forget is the people and how they welcome and made us feel very comfortable. All the hard work of each hotel will always stay in our hearts and in our mind. I am impressed all the way.” We would like to thank our industry partners for their continued support in hosting groups from the North America market.
More Information: Adeline Lee-Erasito,
alee@bulafiji-americas.com

FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU ANNOUNCES TEAM CHANGE
After serving as Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau Regional Matai Coordinator for two years, Jese Naka will be moving back home to Fiji to pursue new endeavors. Replacing Jese will be Ms Sera Cawanibuka who will be moving to LA from the Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau headquarters in January 2008. The Bureau wishes Jese Naka good success in his new endeavour.
 

FIJI IN THE MEDIA
This past Fall, 2007, magnificent Fiji was the lead travel feature in Brentwood Magazine’s September, 2007 issue which contained eight four-color article on the islands written by travel editor Jenny Peters who visited Fiji this past Spring as part of the Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau’s 2007 Media Visitation Program.
Information: Susan Bejeckian sbpr@compuserve.com
 

FIJI ON TRAVELAGENTACADEMY.COM PROGRAM FOR WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOON
Fiji is part of the first Destination Weddings & Honeymoons specialist program which is now available on Travel AgentAcademy.com. The new program, which includes a Fiji component, launched in late November, 2007, marking a new style of education available to travel agents on the interactive online site. The Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Specialist program focuses on the lucrative weddings and honeymoon market and how to sell and market it.
Information: www.TravelAgentAcademy.com
 

NEW MARINE LIFE OF FIJI AND TONGA DVD CAPTURES ESSENCE OF PACIFIC ISLANDS
The Marine Life of Fiji and Tonga: A Video Identification Guide, is now available to travelers. The educational DVD celebrates the amazing biodiversity of Fiji. Filmed over three years while working about the liveaboard dive boat NAIA, marine biologist Josh Jensen and Liz Harlin captured almost 1,300 plant and animal species from the South Pacific region. The clips on the DVDs offer insight into gender and age differences, aspects of the creatures’ behavioral patterns and both the common and scientific names of all the species that appear in the DVD. The package comes complete with a set of two DVDs, as well as a 16-page illustrated reference booklet with line drawings, descriptions and useful information to help maximize enjoyment of Pacific Island marine life. Information: Josh Jensen, Marine Biologist, josh@underseaproductions.com. www.underseaproductions.com
 

HOBIE CAT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FINISHES AT FIJI
The Hobie Cat World Championships, which took two years of preparation and planning, attracted 29 teams and 500 international visitors to Fiji’s capital city of Suva. The sailing competition lasted 12 days and many visitors and competitors extended their stay to experience Fiji’s many treasures. ATS Pacific, an inbound travel agent, has always promoted sporting events in Fiji and the Hobie Cat World Championships was no different. “Sports tourism is a great niche market for Fiji,” says Kiji Niurou from ATS Pacific, “The Fijians are naturally sporting people and love competition. ” “Our great climate, friendly people and beautiful country create a winning combination,” added Niurou.
Information: ATS Pacific C & I Groups Manager Sally Cooper, sally@atspacific.com.fj
 

MARINE TOURISM HOLDINGS ANNOUNCE NEW CEO KIT NIXON
Marine Tourism Holdings Limited, the parent company of Cruise Whitsundays, Awesome Adventures Oz, Awesome Adventures Fiji and South Sea Cruises, has announced changes to its senior management for both its Fijian operation. Peter Duncan, who is currently the CEO of the Fiji operation, will be moving on as CEO of Cruise Whitsundays. Replacing Duncan as new CEO of South Seas Crusies/Awesome Adventures Fiji will be Kit Nixon, who brings a wealth of experience in the travel industry to his new position. Nixon was previously the CEO of Marine Tourism Holdings New Zealand operation. He has worked in a number of senior management positions with Contiki in London and New Zealand and in regional tourism in Napier. Information: Graham Sewell, Group Marketing Manager, Marine Tourism Holdings Limited, graham@mth.co.nz. www.mth.co.nz
 

BLUE LAGOON CRUISES PROVIDES ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO MEETINGS, INCENTIVES AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Fiji’s boutique island cruise specialist, Blue Lagoon Cruises, provides a unique approach to meetings, incentives and special events with its extremely relaxed and highly informal ‘barefoot’ approach. The ‘barefoot’ formula has proved a great success to date as Blue Lagoon Cruises’ diverse clients can attest to. With past clients such as Honda, Mobil Oil, DreamWorks and Coors, Blue Lagoon Cruises offers extremely attractive rates whether planning a conference, business vent, a staff incentive or a group get-together. Blue Lagoon Cruises also assists with extras and special events ranging from executive welcomes to company branding to tailored menus, as well as general assistance with overall planning.
Information: sales@blc.com.fj. www.bluelagooncruises.com
 

SOUTH SEA CRUISES REFURBISHES PRODUCT
South Sea Island, Fiji’s number one day trip destination has recently added new wooden decking to the pool area and a complete re-thatching of the main bure, in traditional Fijian style. The Seaspray is also proving extremely popular with groups. This sailing vessel of TV fame departs each day with maximum numbers. A visit to Modriki, made famous after the filming of the classic Tom Hanks film, “Castaway, ” is proving to be a huge hit with groups from all over the world.
Information: Sales Manager Ross Gallagher, South Sea Cruises, ross@mth.co.nz
 

DAKU VINTAGE FIJI RESORT OFFERS PARADISE COURSES 2008
Daku Vintage Fiji Resort is offering week-long holiday retreats from March, 2008 through October, 2008 with highly-experienced teachers offering daily workshops. The resort’s objective is to provide guests with a week of pursuing their passions while relaxing in true paradise. 2008 Courses include Novel Writing, Birdwatching, Botanical Art, Holiday Sketching, Singing: A Choral Workshop, Memoir: Finding the Story, Textile and Art Stitching, Quilting, Music: An Introduction to Classical Music Appreciation and Gospel Singing.
Information: paradisecourses@iinet.net.au. www.dakuresort.com
 

NAVUTU STARS RESORT PUTS ECO-LUXURY FIRST
Navutu Stars Resort, located in the beautiful Yasawa Islands, is Fiji’s ultimate, eco-luxury tropical-island sanctuary. Navutu’s three pristine white beaches now proudly feature energy-autonomous living with solar power, organic gardens and fresh spring water sourced from natural bores. Selected by Condé Nast Traveler and voted among the “Sexiest Resorts in the World” and defined by Vogue Magazine as “Rustic Chic,” Navutu Stars Resort offers a unique barefoot-luxury setting for fashionista travelers who are also environment-conscious. The exclusive accommodation is just nine spacious and immaculate bures (thatched dwellings) combining traditional Fijian architecture with modern luxury, funky colours, and a profusion of fresh tropical blooms. Navutu Stars Resort is an ecologically-balanced island sanctuary of pristine white beaches, dramatic monoliths, crystal clear lagoons, and rich marine life; Navutu’s staff cooperates with local coral ecologists in reef monitoring and coral regeneration to protect ecology.
Information: info@navigateoceania.com. www.navigateoceania.com
 

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES TAKE CENTER STAGE ON TURTLE ISLAND, FIJI
Turtle Island Resort in Fiji, is proud to introduce its first, full time marine biologist, Margy Fox. Having been raised and educated in Fiji, Fox has a comprehensive understanding of the marine life challenges in the South Pacific. The marine expert will be involved in various projects such as reef management and coral conservation. Additionally, she will act as personal marine guide to guests visiting the island for a complete, educational experience regarding the intricate, colorful and all important marine life in Fijian waters. Recently, Turtle Island has become a Marine Protected Site with the arrival of 600 Tridacna clams. Donated by the Fijian fisheries department as part of a restocking project, each clam can weigh more than 500 pounds and be as large as four feet across. With an average lifespan of more than 100 years, they will be safely kept and monitored by Fox and her staff and will provide a back-up for the surrounding reefs if clams of similar species are depleted in unprotected areas.
Information: jan@turtlefiji.com

MATAMANOA ISLAND RESORT INTRODUCES REFURBISHED BURES
Matamanoa Island Resort has completed refurbishment to all 20 of their traditional thatched Fijian beachfront bures. All 20 bures are now outfitted with air-conditioning. The two overhead fans will remain in all of the bures, giving the guests a choice of either the air-conditioning or fan cooling. Matamanoa Island Resort has had extremely positive feedback since the refurbishments have been complete and are looking forward to continuing their excellent service to visiting guests. Information: jillpalise@ozemail.com.au. www.matamanoa.com
 

SHERATON FIJI RESORT TO UNDERGO AN EXTENSIVE $22 MILLION REFURBISHMENT
Commencing in April 2008, Sheraton Fiji Resort will undergo a $22 million refurbishment that will encompass all areas of the resort from the grand lobby, to the pool, recreational facilities, meeting venues and spacious guest rooms. The resort will close from April 1, 2008, reopening October 1, 2008. If guests have booked a stay during this period, they will receive a complimentary upgrade to The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa. The Sheraton Fiji Resort is set on 25 acres and as such will have no impact during its closure in regards to the enjoyment of guests staying at other resorts on Denarau Island.
Information Regina.Wilson@sheraton.com. www.sheratonfijiresort.net


ANOTHER HAPPY CUSTOMER AT SOFITEL FIJI RESORT & SPA
“Wow – what a fabulous venue and what a conference we had during the first week of October 2007. Your arrangements with your team members and all your staff set the scene for an outstanding Conference – for which we would have no hesitation in recommending your wonderful Resort to others for their annual meeting. All your staff at the Sofitel Fiji Resort made our stay and our Conference a great place to be at. Please pass on our sincere thanks to the management team and all the Sofitel staff for their contribution to a wonderful AH Beard and Forty Winks Conference.” Roger Wilson – General Manager.
Information: Natalie Brumniach, Director of Conference and Incentive, Sofitel Fiji. Natalie.brumniach@sofitelfiji.com
 

TANOA HOTELS GROUP COMPLETES RESORT ENHANCEMENTS
Tanoa International has recently completed refurbishments of its 148 guest rooms and convention centre. Tanoa Waterfront in Lautoka has also opened its new wing, consisting of 26 executive rooms and a swimming pool. The Tanoa Hotels Group hosted a successful annual corporate cocktail party, themed “Shickwrecked” this past Fall, 2007 in Suva.
Information: Hotel Manager Jong Cataylo eam@tanoahotels.com.fj
 

YASAWA ISLAND RESORT AND SPA VOTED FIJI’S LEADING SPA RESORT
Yasawa Island Resort and Spa has been voted “Fiji’s Leading Spa Resort” in the 14th World Travel Awards. Dubbed the Oscars of the Travel Industry, the awards are among the most prestigious available. This year, Yasawa was also chosen as one of two of “Fiji’s Best Hideaways” in the Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report and recognized by Forbes Traveler in a list of the world’s top ten beaches.
Information: reservations@yasawa.com.fj. www.yasawa.com
 

FAMILY TIME KICKS OFF AT YASAWA ISLAND RESORT AND SPA
Yasawa Island Resort’s Family Time will commence this month and next month. The luxury resort is one of the only five-star resorts in Fiji to welcome families. While parents relax in paradise, children will be able to enjoy an array of supervised games and activities including, water play, fish feeding, kite flying and art & crafts. Special children’s rates, children’s meals and babysitting services will be available.
Information: reservations@yasawa.com.fj. www.yasawa.com
 

VOMO ISLAND RESORT AND HIDEAWAY RESORT PROVE TO BE TOPS ON TRAVEL AGENTS LIST
“Last March I attended a seminar sponsored by your bureau in San Rafael, CA.
At that seminar I was a very fortunate travel agent. I won a week's stay from Air Pacific and resort accommodations at Vomo Island Resort and Hideway Resort. I just returned from Fiji and learned what an incredible destination it truly is. I cannot say enough about the Fijian People and their culture. There is nothing like visiting a country and returning with lots of information and enthusiasm.” – Isabel Curry, HMS Travel Group; Food and Wine Trail/Santa Rosa, California.
Information: sales@vomo.com.fj, info@hideaway.com.fj, www.vomofiji.com/ie.htm, and www.hideawayfiji.com
 

KORO SUN RESORT INTRODUCES NEW EDGEWATER BURES
The newly-completed Edgewater bures at Koro Bay are the newest addition to luxury accommodation for four people that overlook the ocean at Koro Sun Resort. The two-story bures are 1,300 square feet and spotlight a master bedroom suite with rooftop deck overlooking the Koro Bay lagoon. The bures are elegantly-appointed with teak and palm wood furnishings, a king size bed, a private courtyard with swimming pool and a sundeck surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The over water living room features plush furnishings with a stunning glass bottom floor. Each guest room highlights a media room, a second bath, a convertible couch for sleeping or relaxing, a 50” flat screen TV, an entertainment center, an iPod sound deck, fully stocked mini bar, a fully-equipped kitchen and a veranda leading to a private over water floating deck on the lagoon.
Information: www.korosunresort.com
 

SEVEN NIGHTS IN PARADISE AT KORO SUN RESORT
Koro Sun Resort is offering a new package called “Seven Nights in Paradise.” The package includes a “Stay Seven and Pay Six Nights” in any room category, three gourmet meals per day, complimentary round-trip ground transfers from/to Savusavu Airport; all non-motorized resort activities, plus choice of one of the following resort upgrade packages for free.

Upgrade Packages: The Deluxe Romance Package includes first night private candlelight celebration dinner for two with a complimentary bottle of wine, first morning champagne breakfast in bure, a private beach picnic and a couples massage at the Rainforest Spa. The Adventure Package offers a waterfall expedition, a salt river kayak adventure and one free massage at the Rainforest Spa. For an Ocean View Bure, prices start at $1,020 per person based on double occupancy. Black out dates apply. Packages are for sale now through March 31, 2008 for travel now through March 31, 2008. The booking code is KSR7NP. www.korosunresort.com
 

QAMEA RESORT & SPA CELEBRATES FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Qamea Resort & Spa is celebrating its five year anniversary by offering a Five Year Anniversary Special of a FJ$400 bar/massage credit for all new bookings for resort stays through April 30, 2008. The anniversary special is in addition to all other resort specials and offers.
www.qamea.com

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