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"TOTAL VISITORS ARRIVALS FROM NORTH
AMERICA INCREASE BY 4.8 PERCENT" The
numbers are in! Total visitor arrivals from North Americas
have increased by 4.8 percent for the period
January-April, 2007, according to Fiji Islands Visitors
Bureau’s Regional Director of the Americas Ili Matatolu.
A total of 24,722 North American travelers visited Fiji
compared to 23,586 for the same time period last year.
Matatolu commented, “This is a positive result to start
off what is a very challenging year of marketing Fiji in
this market. Matatolu also attributes the positive result
to a strong outbound U.S. market, a positive growth from
the Canadian market particularly for January and March,
the cumulative results of the cooperative marketing
efforts of Fiji’s marketing partners and a solid PR
platform which is providing positive visibility for the
destination in the market.” In 2007, Fiji Islands Visitors
Bureau is targeting 82,916 visitors from North America.
Information: Regional Director The Americas Ili Matatolu
ili@bulafiji-americas.com.
"FIJI ISLANDS VISITOR BUREAU APPLAUDS THE
LIFTING OF THE COUNTRY’S PUBLIC EMERGENCY REGULATION
(PER)"
The CEO of the Fiji
Islands Visitors Bureau, Villame Gavoka has applauded
the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulation (PER) by
the interim government from June 1.
Gavoka said, “The lifting
of the PER was particularly well timed because of the
co-operative campaigns which the FIVB is about to launch
in conjunction with its partner airlines and wholesale
partners in primary markets. The lifting of the PER sends
a very positive signal and will assist the Bureau’s
ongoing marketing efforts and will further reaffirm
visitor confidence on a global level.”
Information: e-mail:
mediarelease@bulafiji.com
"LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IDYLLIC ISLANDS OF FIJI AT FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU JULY, 2007 ROADSHOW"
Save the dates for the Fiji
Islands Visitors “Fiji Me” Roadshow as the Pacific Island
country, together with airline, cruise and resort
partners, make their way through ten US cities in July,
2007, spreading the Bula spirit. Fiji travel partners who
will be in attendance and sharing their product and
services are Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Blue Lagoon
Cruises Castaway Island Resort, Creative Marketing,
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, Koro Sun Resort
and Rainforest Spa, Lomani/Plantation, Matamanoa Island
Resort, Musket Cove Resort, Namale Resort and Spa,
Outrigger on the Lagoon, Qamea Resort and Spa, Royal Davui,
Shangri-la Fijian Resort, South Sea Cruises, Starwood
Hotels and Resorts Fiji, Toberua Island Resort, Warwick
Group South Pacific, World Resorts of Distinction, Yasawa
Island Resort and many of Fiji top tour operators. Mark
your calendar for the following:
Monday, July 9, 2007 –
Houston Marriott West Loop by the Galleria, 1750 West Loop
South, Houston, Texas – 5:00-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007 –
Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre, 5410 LBJ Freeway, Dallas,
Texas – 8:00-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 –
Hilton Phoenix Airport, 2435 South 47th Street, Phoenix,
Arizona – 8:00-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 –
DoubleTree Paradise Valley Resort, 5401 N. Scottsdale
Road, Scottsdale, Arizona – 5:00-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
–Red Rock Casino Resort Spa, 11011 West Charleston
Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada – 5:00-8:30 p.m.
Monday, July 16, 2007 –
Marriott Boulder, Boulder, 2660 Canyon Boulevard, Boulder,
CO – 8:00-11:30 a.m.
Monday, July 16, 2007 –
Radisson Hotel Denver, Stapleton Plaza, 3333 Quebec
Street, Denver, 5.00-8.30pm
Tuesday, July 17, 2007 –
Radisson Hotel, 215 West South Temple, Salt Lake City,
Utah – 5:00-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 –
Hilton Seattle, 1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA – 5:00-8:30
p.m.
Thursday, July 19, 2007 –
Sheraton Mission Valley, 1433 Camino Del Rio South, San
Diego, California – 5:00-8:30 p.m.
For more Information:
Regional Marketing Officer Adeline Lee Erasitio,
310/568-1616, ext. 203 or email:
alee@bulafiji-americas.com.
"FIJI ME ON NOW ON “PODCAST BULA”
Fiji Islands Visitors
Bureau (North Americas) has recently partnered with New
York-based Parmamagoo Media, creators of
Explorerpod.com, to
provide “Podcast Bula”.
“Podcast Bula” distributes
key excerpts from the Bureau’s Fiji Me DVD. It currently
includes: Fiji - a General Overview; Places to Stay, Fiji
Music in downloadable format. Viewers can watch the
romantic sights and sounds of the lush, tropical island
and let their imagination drift away to Fiji. Continue
the daydream into the sports of diving, whitewater rafting
and snorkelling in a wondrous paradise known for not only
what’s on land, but underwater. The Bureau plans to expand
the range of information available to include hot diving
spots, family-friendly resorts, idyllic getaways, Fiji in
One Day, soon.
“Podcast Bula” is currently
available on
www.explorerpod.com, with additional distribution
coming through itunes, YouTube, Goggle, Fijime.com and a
network of travel-related sites.
Information: Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau, 310/568-1616.
"FIRST FIJI MATAI EDUCATIONAL PROVES TO
BE A HUGE SUCCESS"
Eleven VIP Fiji Matai
specialists joined with Regional Coordinator Fiji Matai
Specialist Program Jese Naka for a 10-night comprehensive
trip to Fiji. The group divided into two and visited
collectively more than 30 of Fiji top resorts in the
North, Mammanuca and Coral Coast. As part of their visit,
the group was one of the first to see Fiji’s first
over-water bungalows at Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji and
partake in a sunset dinner cruise on Captain Cook
Cruises.
Agent Dick Slaker of
Adventures in Travel based in Oceanside, California
commented, “I just wanted to thank the many good friends
that took the time, made the effort and offered the
hospitality to visit, explore, participate, and enjoy the
warmth of the island sun, where we had the experience of
meeting and greeting the friendliest people at all aspects
of the "journey to adventure, romance, and plenty of fun."
My story could continue with the endless stories that were
created during this past visit to Fiji, and someday, I may
write about the visit. I am thankful to everyone for your
great support to the Matai Specialists Program, as I am
also connected with other specialist programs that are not
as successful.” Information: Regional Coordinator Fiji
Matai Specialists Program Jese Naka, 310/568-1616, ext.
202.
"NATIONAL TOURISM OFFICES JOIN TOGETHER FOR 3RD ANNUAL"
Eight South Pacific
destinations will team up to present the 3rd Annual South
Pacificfest (SPF40) at the Westin in Long Beach September
20-22, 2007. Meet eight unique South Pacific destinations
at one time: Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New
Guinea, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga and Vanuatu, plus more than
50 South Pacific operators.
SPF40 originated several
years ago when many industry sources advised that a cost
effective, highly-focused training event would be an
excellent way to showcase their diverse South Pacific
destinations, the variety of products, their exciting
attractions and unique cultures. At the time, six
national tourism boards jumped into action to culminate
their efforts to launch SPF40, which has proven to be one
of the most successful and well-received events in the
industry in recent years.
nformation: Marianne Y. Masuda, 310/937-2300, e-mail:
spf40@mac.com.
"CANADAS TOP TRAVEL TRADE MAGAZINES -- CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS & TRAVEL COURIER ANNOUNCE FIJI AS TOP DESTINATION IN MAGAZINES “2007 AGENT CHOICE AWARDS”
Fiji was ranked #11 in the
“Destination Winter Category” and # 12 in the “Tourist
Board Category,” according to the sales and marketing
staff at two of Canada’s top travel trade magazines
Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier. The
announcement will be formally made in the magazines’ June
25, 2007. In a statement by account executive Baxter
Travel Media Terry Ohman, “Fiji has always been a
destination Canadians have enjoyed. Canada and Fiji have
a common historical link, both having been part of the
British Empire. These results reflect a continued and
growing interest in this tropical destination.”
Information: SBPR: e-mail:
sbpr@compuserve.com.
"FIJI’S NEWEST RESORT RADISSON RESORT FIJI DENARAU
ISLAND OFFERS TWO OPENING SPECIALS"
In celebration of its
opening this month Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Islands is
celebrating with a host of opening specials.
Travelers, booking any
guest room or villa at the new resort, will receive every
second night free of charge on sale now through July 16,
2007 for travel through July 16-August, 16, 2007. (Rate
Code: W2FOC).
Another Stay 5 and Pay 3
offer allows guests to stay five nights in a one-or-two-
bedroom villa suite and only pay for three nights. The
offer is on sale now through August 17, 2007 for travel
August 17-September 21, 2007. (Rate Code: WS5P3VS)
All suites boast a
fully-equipped kitchen, a separate dining room/living
room, in-room washer/dryer facility, flat screen
televisions, complimentary in-room Internet access and a
separate shower and bath.
Conditions and restrictions
apply.
Information: Director of Sales & MarketingJoshua Lee,
e-mail:
joshua.lee@radissonfiji.com,
reservations.fiji@radisson.com or
www.radisson.com/fiji.
"QAMEA RESORT & SPA FIJI SELECTED AS “BEST LUXURY SOUTH RESORT FOR 2006 IN “TRIPADVISOR’S 2006 TRAVEL CHOICE AWARDS”
In recognition of its
continued dedication to customer service, Qamea Resort &
Spa Fiji was selected as one of the top ten “Best Luxury
South Pacific Resorts” by TripAdvisor’s “2006 Traveler’s
Choice Awards.” The award was based on the luxury
resort’s true dedication to guests, as reflected in the
hundreds of positive reviews provided to TripAdvisor by
guests who have visited the resort.
“We are honored to receive
this award, and on behalf of our team of excellent staff
and managers, we would like to thank TripAdvisor for the
award, and especially our guests that have taken the time
to submit detailed and honest reviews,” said Ron Eckstrom,
co-owner of the resort.
Information: www.qamea.com.
"PINNACLE HOTEL MANAGEMENT APPOINTED NEW OPERATIONS MANAGER OF VOMO
ISLAND RESORT FIJI ISLANDS"
Vomo Island Resort Fiji
Islands has recently announced that Pinnacle Hotel
management (PHM) is the new operator of the luxury
resort. The company is a joint venture company between
well-known Fiji hoteliers James and Eric McCann and Kelvin
and Gayle Wade. The new management company has taken over
the resort operations since March, 2007.
During the last 12 months
the resort has undergone a significant upgrade including
enhancement to its guest bures and a complete upgrade and
rebuilding of its Royal Deluxe Suite that opened in April,
2007. Other refurbishments include a complete upgrade of
the Vuda Bar, new beachfront and poolside lounges and an
enhancement to the Beyond the Reef Restaurant.
Information: James McCann, e-mail:
mccann@vomo.com.fj.
"ROOMS WITH A WATER VIEW SET TO OPEN IN
2009 AT POSEIDON UNDERSEA RESORT IN FIJI"
A truly one-of-a-kind guest
experience awaits travelers when the planned Poseidon
Undersea Resort plans to open in early 2009. The hotel
will be adjacent to a coral reef on the sea floor 40 feet
below the surface of the lagoon. It will include 24
guestrooms, a library, fitness center and a restaurant.
In an article that recently appeared in the New York
Times, “anyone wanting to stay at Poseidon (which will
also have a couple of submarines for guests) will have to
sink $15,000 into the underwater experience ($30,000 for a
couple sharing a room). “ The package includes a private
plane transport from the airport to the resort.
Information:
www.poseidonresorts.com.
"RESORT MANAGEMENT NAMED AT VOMO ISLAND RESORT FIJI"
Three new management
positions have been announced at Vomo Island Resort Fiji
Islands with the appointment of new Resort General Manager
Wayne and Toni-Maree Milgate and new Executive Chef Shane
Avant. All three executives joined the management team at
Vomo Island Resort in May, 2007 and bring with them a
wealth of innovative experience to their present
positions. Wayne is the former resort manager of
Australia’s famous Hayman Island Resort. Toni-Maree is the
former front officer manager and guest services manager at
Palazzo Versace located on the Gold Coast of Australia.
In his new position as
executive chef, Avant will use local and international
ingredients, including fresh seafood, produce and seasonal
products to present three meals a day for resort guests.
His fresh and creative approach to cooking will be
incorporated using Fijian products and all dishes will be
presented in a contemporary modern style, giving guests a
one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Information: James McCann, e-mail:
mccann@vomo.com.fj.
"MALOLO ISLAND FIJI DEBUTS NEW FREEDOM OF CHOICE PACKAGE"
Guests are being given the freedom to choose
when they check into Malolo Island Fiji. When booking a
five-night stay at the luxury resort, travelers can choose
from spa treatments, dinner for two in Treetops,
watersport activities, each with a value of F$100. Return
guests receive an additional 10 percent discount on their
stay.
Reservations/Information:
www.maloloisland.com.
"HONEYMOONS A PLUS AT MALOLO ISLAND FIJI"
Honeymooners rejoice! When
booking a minimum three-night honeymoon escape at Malolo
Island Fiji, honeymoon couples receive a complimentary his
and her back massage and a bottle of bubble bath.
Information:
enquiries@ahuraresorts.com.
"STAY 5 AND PAY 4 AT MALOLO ISLAND FIJI"
Book a five-night stay at
Malolo Island Fiji and receive one free night courtesy of
the resort in either an oceanview or deluxe oceanview
bures. Return guests also enjoy an additional ten percent
discount off the price. Reservations/Information:
www.maloloisland.com.
"NEW LUXURY RESORT OPENS ON TAVEUNI’S GARDEN ISLAND"
Paradise Tavenui is Fiji’s
newest boutique resort to open on the garden island of
Taveuni. As part of their exceptional stay, guests are
treated to a choice of ten luxury Fijian bures in a
secluded remote private oceanfront setting. Travelers tap
into a wealth of experiences, including authentic Fijian
culture, superior dining, world-class diving with Pro Dive
Taveuni and signature spa treatments at the resort’s new
Serenity Spa.
Information: E-mail:
info@paradisefiji.com.
"TWO NEW SPA BURES OPEN AT JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU FIJI ISLANDS RESORT"
New at Jean-Michel Cousteau
Fiji Islands Resort are the completion of two new spa
bures overlooking the pristine Savusavu Bay. Guests are
soothed not only by the healing hands of Fijian
therapists, but by the sounds of waves lapping the shore.
Designed by the resort’s General Manager and Interior
Architect Karen Taylor, these spa jewels are built in the
traditional Fijian way using many natural and local
materials. The open 85-square-foot thatched massage bures
offer two spa tables, private showers and changing areas.
Each bure has an extended over beach deck for a truly
outdoor treatment experience.
Information:
www.fijiresort.com.
"FIJI”S NEWEST REGIONAL AIRLINE PACIFIC SUN AIRLINES TO OFFER ONLINE BOOKING TO TRAVEL AGENTS"
Pacific Sun, incorporated
as a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Pacific earlier this
year, now offers online booking for travel agents. The
carrier has offices at Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands. The new
carrier provides domestic and regional travel in Fiji and
the South Pacific. Pacific Sun operates the following
domestic routes - Nausori, Nadi, Labasa and tourism ports
of Savusavu, Taveuni and Kadavu, Malolo lailai and Mana
Island.
Information:
www.pacificsun.com.fj.
"AIR NEW ZEALAND OFFERS FARES FROM $934
PER PERSON THROUGH MARCH 31, 2008"
Visiting the South Pacific
has never been easier when travelers book a trip to Fiji
departing LAX online via
www.airnewzealand.com. Now through March 31, 2008,
travelers can book a trip to Fiji online from $934 per
person. See the website for details, as restrictions
apply. Price is subject to availability and change.
Information:
www.airnewzealand.com.
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