FIJI TO HOST 120 US TRAVEL AGENTS NEXT MONTH
The Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau is partnering with its national airline carrier Air Pacific Limited, key wholesaler partners, and its tourism industry to host the country’s inaugural “Fiji an Amazing Place” educational from the 3rd to the 9th of December, 2007. The goal of the exercise is to increase awareness levels of the diversity of holiday experiences available in Fiji and increase conversion levels on Fiji. Wholesalers taking part include Sunspots International, Down Under Answers, Exotic Escapes, Brendan Vacations, Fiji Legends, Holiday House SP, Goway…Island Escapes, Pleasant Holidays, Springboard Vacations, All About Tours, ATS Islands in the Sun, Happy Vacations.
More information can be obtained from Regional Marketing Officer Ms Adeline Lee Erasito on email:
alee@bulafiji-americas.com

FIJI MARKETING FORUM PROVES TO BE A SUCCESS
With more than 50 people in attendance, the Fiji Marketing Forum, sponsored by Air Pacific, Fiji’s international airline with assistance of Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau, held October 17-19, 2007, brought together more than 20 wholesalers and 20 resort representatives who provided market and wholesaler updates during the three-day summit. All participants were divided into groups and addressed specific issues relating to North America. Held at the Newport Beach Marriott Bayview hotel in Newport Beach, California, participants convened to discuss ways in which the tourism destination can continue to build relationships and work together to ensure increased business to Fiji. The 2007 Fiji Marketing Forum included excursions to some of Southern California’s top tourist attractions including golf at Tustin Ranch, a cruise to Catalina Island, and visits to Balboa Island and Fashion Island for shopping.
Information: Regional General Manager Candy Andrus Candy@AirPacific-LAX.com

FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU ATTENDS MINNEAPOLIS TRAVEL SHOW
Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau teamed up with Air Pacific and Islands In The Sun and attended The Minneapolis Travel Show last month. Attending the trade and consumer event were 6,000 enthusiastic travel consumers and 300 travel agents. Exhibitors received a free electronic list of travel agents attending the show.
Information: Adeline Lee-Erasito
ALee@BulaFiji-Americas.com.

DIVE FIESTA SET FOR NOVEMBER
The annual Fiji Dive Fiesta is scheduled from November 10-17, 2007. Twenty dive wholesalers from the US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand and the UK will be diving in Savusavu and Taveuni.
Information: FVB Senior Marketing Officer Thomas Valentine tvalentine@fijifvb.gov.fj

VOYAGER TRAVEL DEVELOPS 13-DAY FAM ITINERARY FOR TOP FIJI MATAI SPECIALISTS
Matai specialist Sherry James of Voyager Travel, based in Goldendale, Washington, has recently developed a 13-day fam itinerary for nine Matai specialists who will visit Fiji November 24-December 9, 2007. During their visit to the Island nation, the group will visit more than 25 of Fiji’s top luxury and full-service resorts. Joining Sherry will be Patricia Russell, Elizabeth Amador, Brenda Doughty, Vernon Kapius, Lawrence Padgett, Ricardo Gomez, Laurence Markman and Roberto Valdemar.
Information: Jese Naka, jnaka@bulafiji-Americas.com

FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU & OTHER SOUTH PACIFIC NTA’S TEAM UP FOR SUNSATIONAL SOUTH PACIFIC
Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau’s top travel partners, including Air Pacific, Air New Zealand. Shangri-La Fijian Resort, Holiday House South Pacific, Island Escapes by Goway and Pacific Sunspots, recently teamed up this Fall, 2007 with other South Pacific representatives to present a series of “Sunsational South Pacific” travel agent shows in Toronto, Victoria and Vancouver, Canada. During their visit to Canada, partners conducted wholesaler visits/training, hosted a Canadian media event and presented a trade show with the opportunity to network with Canada/s to agents.
Information: Jese Naka, jnaka@bulafiji-Americas.com

FIJI RANKED IN TOP 10 LONELY PLANET BLUELIST
Fiji was rated in the “Top Ten Friendliest Countries in the World” in the new edition of Lonely Planet’s Bluelist published last month. The annual title captures the best in travel for the coming year and contains a collection of the world’s hottest trends, destination journeys and experiences from around the world.
Information: pr@bulafiji.com

MOON DEBUTS 8TH EDITION OF FIJI HANDBOOK
Moon Handbooks is pleased to announce the release of the expanded and updated edition of Fiji www.mooon.com/catalong2/fiji.html by veteran travel writer David Stanley. Priced at $19.95 per copy the 8th edition provides island-goers with trip ideas, insider tips about the best accommodations, restaurants and places to explore on any budget. Moon Fiji also gives travelers valuable tips on the “how to plan your trip” and “how to be an expert island hopper.” Stanley, who is an expert on the South Pacific, also gives travelers advice on sporting life in Fiji, as well as tips for nature lovers on how to best explore the Pacific Island destination. Information:
Information: www.moon.com/catalog2/fiji.html

FIJI ISLANDS TRADE NEWS

YASAWA ISLAND RESORT AND SPA OFFERS SPECIAL STAY PAY DEAL
When guests check into the luxury Yasawa Island Resort for a minimum five-night stay, they can stay an additional two nights at no additional cost in celebration of the first birthday of the luxury resort’s Baravi Spa. As part of the stay, guests receive meals, all non-alcoholic beverages and all activities, excluding spa treatments, scuba diving and game fishing. The attractive offer must be booked by November 30, 2007 for travel through March 31, 2008. With the special deal in honor of the new spa, guests can indulge in the ultimate spa treatments. Spa goers relish in the spa’s “Baravi Rhythm,” performed by two synchronized therapists working in rhythm with the sound of the ocean waves; a body wrap that incorporates banana leaves grown in the local Fijian villages; hot rock therapies using black volcanic pebbles to reflect the fiery rift that created Yasawa Island; and a massage utilizing an essence of the native sandalwood sought by the earliest European traders. Information: reservations@yasawa.com.fj

TAUNOVO BAY TO OPEN IN 2008
The brand new Taunovo Bay Resort & Spa is scheduled to open in early January 2008. The resort is located in the Adventure Capital of Fiji, Pacific Harbour.
Information: libby@wrd.com.au

CAPTAIN COOK ANNOUNCES NEW CONFERENCE & INCENTIVE BROCHURE
Captain Cook Cruises has released its latest Conference & Incentive brochure for Fiji. With a fleet of five vessels including two square-rigged tall ships to cater for every style event and budget, from themed private islands and charters, to cruise accommodations, lunch and dinner. Information: Fiji Managing Director Commander Semi semik@captaincook.com.fj or Director of Sales Sherilyn Robinson sherilynr@captaincook.com.au

SHERATON PLANS FOR 2008 MULTI MILLION DOLLAR REFURBISHMENT
The Sheraton Fiji Resort will be undergoing a $22 million enhancement program beginning April 2008. The refurbishment will encompass all areas of the Resort from the Grand Lobby to the pool, recreational facilities, meeting venues and space guest rooms. To complete the project, the resort will close from April 1, 2008 and will re-open October 1, 2008.
Information: steve.cunning@sheraton.com

LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT CELEBRATES SIX-MONTHS OF STEADY BUSINESS
Key partners in the conference and incentive market will be joining the Fiji Visitors Bureau for the ITME Show in Chicago from September 25-27, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. They include Starwood Hotels, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa, and national airline partner Air Pacific Limited. The Bureau's continued presence at ITME underlies its focus on the conference and incentive market as a key segment for Fiji's future from the US and Canadian markets.
For more information email Regional Marketing Officer Adeline Lee-Erasito on email: alee@bulafiji-americas.com

BLUE LAGOON CRUISES PRESENTS “CRUISE IN LUXURY DIVE IN PARADISE” DEMA SPECIAL
When traveling on a relaxing and fun Blue Lagoon Cruise, two divers can travel in the same cabin and only pay “one diver and one non-diver” rate, saving over $500. Sales of this amazing, aquatic package goes through May 30, 2008 for travel beginning November 5, 2007 through December 1, 2008. The “Cruise in Luxury Dive” offer is valid only for the North American market and for new bookings. When booking this special with Blue Lagoon Cruises, offer the booking code: CLDP241NA07.
Information: marketing@blc.com.fj

FIJI FEATURED IN NOVEMBER 2007 ISSUE OF MODERN BRIDE MAGAZINE
US-based travel writer Jad Davenport, who has visited 100 islands from the South Pacific to the Arctic Circle, provided a first-hand account of “Fiji for Two” in his eight-page, four-color feature article about the Fiji Islands for Modern Bride Magazine which hit newsstands in North America in October. Davenport says, “This exotic South Pacific archipelago offers dozens of idyllic honeymoon hideaways.” The writer provides a detailed account of some of Fiji’s top “romance-ready” options, including Vatulele Island Resort, Lalati Resort and Spa, Qamea Resort and Spa, Matangi Island Resort & Spa, Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort and Fiji’s newest resort, Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji. Information: Susan Bejeckian sbpr@compuserve.com

JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU FIJI ISLANDS RESORT INTRODUCES NEW SPA PACKAGES
To celebrate the opening of the open-air, oceanfront Spa Bure, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is offering two extended spa packages, “Tropical Treat” and “Pacific Paradise.” The “Tropical Treat” head-to-toe package pairs a 45-minute Fiji botanical fusion foot therapy, followed by a 60-minute coconut sugar body exfoliation and a 15-minute hair and scalp therapy. The soothing treatment is priced $175. Couples who select the “Pacific Paradise” share a 60-minute coconut or pineapple sugar exfoliation followed by a choice of a 60-minute island body wrap or aromatherapy massage. The treatment is priced at $350. Both packages includes a take-home spa gift.
Information: info@fijiresort.com

FIJI PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE ON TAP FOR SPRING, 2008
Sacramento photographer Andy Pischalnikoff, a.k.a. Doctor Legacy, will share his expertise with travelers on location in exotic Fiji March 22-29, 2008. Highlights of this six-night photography safari include a bamboo river rafting experience in the Sigatoka Valley an inland trek to the Naihehe caves, a visit to the Kalevu Cultural Center and a day cruise to Robinson Crusoe Island. This special interest tour includes international airfare, deluxe accommodations at the award-winning at Outrigger on The Lagoon Resort, day tours and meals priced at $2,995 per person, double occupancy.
Information: Group Coordinator and Fiji Matai Specialist Jacintha Perera 916/392-1520 or visit www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com

MANA ISLAND RESORT PREPARES FOR NEW SPA & GUESTROOM IMPROVEMENTS
Mana Island Resort in Mamanuca is prepared to begin upgrades which will include a name and logo change, new spa facilities and upgrades to rooms and bures. Beginning on April 1, 2008, Mana Island Resort will change its name to “Mana Island Resort & Spa”

The Mana Spa will consist of three Forest Treatment Bures and one Royal Suite Treatment Bure. Which will be built in the forest adjacent to the Ocean Front Bures. The Spa will be complete in February, 2008. Each spa bure will highlight two air-conditioned treatment bures with two treatment beds and a Royal Suite will offer a Jacuzzi Spa.

The upgrade of 45 Island Bures will commence November 1, 2007 and be completed and ready for booking on April 1, 2008. Island Bure upgrade highlights include: improved exterior presentation including new thatched roofing, improved interior décor, polished wooden floors, installation of air-conditioning and new bathrooms with new shower facilities. None of these upgrades and refurbishments will impede guests staying at the Mana Island Resort during the duration of the upgrade and refurbishment period.
Information: res@manafiji.com

WITIA PROMOTES ALLIANCE’S FIRST FAMILARIZATION TRIP TO FIJI
Women in Tourism International Alliance Ltd (WITIA), a worldwide organization of travel professionals headquartered on the Gold Coast, is offering its first familiarization trip to Fiji from November 15-19, 2007, a five-day itinerary that will include the Alliance’s two-hour annual general meeting. Basing the trip at the lavish Sonaisali Island Resort, the itinerary includes visiting a Hindu temple in Nadi, participating in voluntourism by visiting the Dream Center (a rehabilitation center for teenage boys where vocational skills are taught) and visiting the Treasure House Orphanage and other attractions. Full itinerary details with all inclusions are posted at www.witia.org . The cost of the land only portion of the fam is FJD $940 per person, double occupancy for WITIA members (FJD $970 non-members). Information: marketinganz@witia.org

TURN UP THE HEAT ON THE HIGH SEAS WITH CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES
Captain Cook Cruises has put together the ultimate romance package on any three, four or seven night Fijian cruise on an MV Reef Escape cruise ship. The “Ultimate Romance Package” includes a complimentary upgrade from Stateroom to Tabua Stateroom, a 15- minute his/hers Senikai massage, his/hers Senikai Essence of Viti gift pack and a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival. The “Ultimate Romance Package” is an extra $50 per person and the package is valid through March 31, 2008. Another great offer from Captain Cook Cruises is the seven-night Northern Fiji Dateline Cruise which takes visitors to Tivua Island, Nanuyakoto, Nananu-I-ra, Levuka on Ovalau Island, Savusavu town, Bouma Waterfall on Taveuni Island East, Naselesele Village on Taveuni Island, Waiyevo & Dateline, Sali Sali Island and Mystery Island. This package is offered on selected dates from May-November, 2008.
Information: Nick Reid, northamerica@captaincook.com.au

WARWICK FIJI RESORT & SPA OFFERS ALL-INCLUSIVE DIVE PACKAGE 2007
Enhance your Fiji dive experience by joining the Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa for an all-inclusive Dive Package 2007. Included in this package is an accommodation in the resort’s deluxe ocean view room, all meals, all drinks, one Beqa Lagoon or shark diver encounter, scuba equipment hire, and complimentary fire-walking and Fijian entertainment shows. The package is on sale now through March 31, 2008 for travel through October 31, 2008. The price is FJD$440 per person, per day based on a minimum five-night stay.
Information: warwickres@warwickfiji.com.fj

HOLIDAY INN SUVA OFFERS NEW RATES
Holiday Inn Suva wants your stay to be memorable during the Fijian summer and North American Winter. The package rates start at $170 for a standard room, only having to pay an additional $25 to upgrade to a Superior Queen Room. Guests receive complimentary tropical fruit juice upon arrival plus two complimentary movie tickets to Village 6 during their stay, as well as a 15% discount at the Tapa Bar. The package is valid from November 25, 2007- February 3, 2008.
Information: Cathy Wong marketing@holidayinnsuva.com.fj

SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ KICKS OFF IN LAUTOKA
Every Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m., local band “Kulture” plays with Arthur Philitoga at Vuda Yacht Club at Vuda Marina adjacent to First Land Resort in Lautoka. Featuring guest artists, the leisurely afternoon of jazz highlights a delicious BBQ lunch, Bula Burgers and Fish & Chips served all day. Entry is free.
Information: Milika Marshall vudamarina@connect.com.fj

RAINTREE LODGE IN SUVA UNVEILS POOLSIDE BLUES, JAZZ & CLASSICS
Join the Raintree Lodge in Suva every Sunday afternoon from noon on to listen to Mike Raymond and Eni Kumar as they sing blues, jazz and classic tunes. A BBQ lunch and full bar makes the poolside concert a winning way to spend the day.
Information: raintreelodge@connect.com.fj

MANA ISLAND RESORT OFFERS SPECIAL STAY PAY DEAL
When guests check into the beautiful Mana Island Resort in the Mamanuca, they stay six nights and pay for three with option one or stay six nights and pay for with option two when booking an ocean front suite, ocean front bure or ocean view guestrooms. The option one offer is valid for travel from January 10-March 31, 2008 with sales until February 29, 2008. The option two offer is valid for travel from April 1-May 31, 2008 with sales until April 30, 2008. Mention code MNSP6DL when calling to inquire about either package option.
Information: sales@manifiji.com

PARADISE TAVEUNI PRESENTS NEW PACKAGES
Paradise Taveuni - Fiji has created a host of new packages for guests. For travelers seeking a truly lush garden island experience, they opt for an attractive “Opening Special Offer” with a half price Fiji accommodations in either oceanfront or tropical bures. Prices vary depending on the bure chosen. Other packages include seven-night Fiji “Honeymoon Vacation Package” priced at FJD$4,070, the seven-night “Paradise Spa Vacation Package” priced at FJD$4,300 and the seven-night “Fiji Island Wedding Vacation Package,” priced at FJD$4070. Refer to the web site, www.paradiseinfiji.com , for complete package details. Information: Director Terri Gortan info@paradiseinfiji.com

NATADOLA'S FIVE-STAR RESORT TO OPEN IN EARLY, 2009
The luxury 275-room Natadola Beach Resort is set to open for business in early 2009. According to project managers HLK Jacobs, the Heritage 18-hole golf course is 62% complete and the hotel structure is 41% complete and all is going according to plan. The brand new hotel is expected to increase Fiji's total room inventory to 10,074, inject foreign exchange earnings into the economy and provide employment opportunities for Fiji's local populace.

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