September 2007

JULY, 2007 VISITOR ARRIVALS SHOW CANADA UP BUT USA DOWN
Fiji hosted a total of 9,373 North Americans in July this year compared to 9,881 in July last year, showing a decrease of 5.1%. While the US market decreased by 8.9%, the Canadian market showed a 13% increase. From January to July 2007 Fiji hosted a total of 47,928 North Americans compared with 48,247 for the same period last year, reflecting a decrease of 0.6% or 319 visitors. From January to July this year the Canadian market increased by 22.3%, from 8,803 last year to 10,770 this year or an increase of 1,967 visitors. However the US market decreased by 5.7%, down by 2,286 visitors from last year's 39,444 visitors to this year's 37,158. 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 about visitor arrival statistics can be obtained from Regional Director, Ili Matatolu via
email: ili@bulafiji-americas.com

FIJI AT ITME
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
4TH ANNUAL SAVUSAVU SOUTH PACIFIC MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR NOV.
A three-day musical and cultural event, the 4th Annual Savusavu South Pacific Music Festival in Fiji is slated for November 8-10, 2007 in Savusavu, Vanu Levu Fiji. Held at different venues, including leading resorts in the area, the three-day event will feature the best South Pacific music and dance performers in the islands, including indigenous South Pacific Island musicians, dance theatres and more. In conjunction with Air Pacific, other sponsors include Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa, Savusavu Tourism Association, Fiji Visitors Bureau, Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel, Ministry for Culture & Heritage, Coca Cola Amatil, ACM Insurance, Fiji Natural Water, J Hunter Pearls, and Pacific Sun Airlines.
Information: Jill Turner jmatousek@att.net.

FIJI ISLANDS RANKED TOP TEN MOST POPULAR HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS IN 2007
In a recent survey conducted by Honeymooner's Review Guide, the Fiji Islands were named as one of the "Top Ten Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations for 2007." Included in this prestigious list are the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, French Polynesia, Fiji, Antigua and Italy.

EARL COLE, NEWEST WINNER OF CBS TV SERIES "SURVIVOR FIJI" SAYS "FIJI IS FRIENDLY PEOPLE AND A UNIQUE CULTURE"
"Fiji is a beautiful place with a unique culture and very friendly people according to Survivor Fiji winner Earl Cole. Cole, from Santa Monica in California, made the comments after holidaying in Fiji last week, while en route from a promotional tour in Australia. Cole also added "the world needed to know more about Fiji and I am willing to promote it everywhere I can."
Information: Susan Bejeckian sbpr@compuserve.com.

APOLLO HOSPITALS LOOK AT FIJI FOR NEXT MEDICAL FACILITY
World healthcare leader Apollo Hospitals is looking at Fiji for its next medical facility. Leading cardiologist Dr Michael S. Chandra recently visited Los Angeles to speak to a group of Fiji's top travel partners to discuss plans for a new hospital. The multi-million dollar project, expected to take 15-18 months to complete, will be built in Lautoka, about 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport. The facility is designed to meet both local community needs as well as those seeking special medical treatment at a fraction of the overseas cost. "With more than 8,000 beds in more than 41 hospitals worldwide and being the largest healthcare group in Asia, we are pleased that they are looking at Fiji to build a world-class medical facility. It will open up a new segment of the market which was previously untapped, says Regional Director Americas Ili Matatolu.

SOFT CORAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD AT DEMA
The Bureau will be promoting Fiji as the "soft coral capital of the world" with its selected partners at next month's DEMA Show in Florida. Fiji participants will include Air Pacific, Naia Cruises, Beqa Divers, More information can be obtained from Ms Vani Vogel at email: vvogel@bulafiji-americas.com
FIJI MARKETING FORUM SET FOR OCTOBER 17-19th
Fiji's marketing Forum will take place from the October 17-19, 2007 at the Newport Beach Marriott Bayview. The program will include presentations from national tourist office Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau Fiji's airline, wholesaler partners, and a team building event.
More information can be obtained from Regional Director Ili Matatolu on email: ili@bulafiji-americas.com

FIJI "AN AMAZING PLACE" EDUCATIONAL SET FOR DECEMBER
The "experiential" side of Fiji will be the key focus of the inaugural "Fiji an Amazing Place educational which is planned from the December 3-9, 2007. Involving Fiji's top wholesaler partners, national airline partner Air Pacific, and Fiji's tourism industry, the educational is expected to cover the key tourist regions of Fiji where participants will be involved in an Amazing Race" type of adventure designed to showcase the "real Fiji"!!

FIJI FILM FETE SET FOR 2008
BOLLYWOOD and Pacific fiction and documentaries will be on show during a week-long film festival in Fiji in February, 2008
The festival is to be co-organized by the Fiji Audio Visual Commission, the Fiji Visitor's Bureau, the Trade and Investment Bureau and un-named investors from Dubai.
The chair of the Fiji Audio Visual Commission and the film festival, Richard Broadbridge, says the festival has three main objectives.
''One is to promote the local industry. Secondly to get producers who aren't able to showcase their films in larger film festivals to launch their films at the Fiji Film Festival. And thirdly, of course, is to promote Fiji as a fantastic tourist destination,'' Broadbridge told Radio New Zealand International. Broadbridge expects the movies to be shown in Suva, as well as in a number of island resorts.
Information Fiji Audio Visual Commission Dan Bolea bolea@fijiaudiovisual.org.fj.

PRODUCT AND INDUSTRY NEWS

MATANGI ISLAND OPENS NEW RESTAURANT AND INFINITY POOL
Matangi Private Island Resort is pleased to announce the opening of a new restaurant and infinity edge swimming pool. This magnificent complex is a massive 7,700 square feet, providing a stylish leisure area of the resort. Guests enjoy delicious cocktails and dining in this wonderfully relaxed environment. Built entirely from local timber showcasing intricately-carved poles decorated with coconut fibre rope, the new facility oozes Fijian charm. Built only 30 feet away from resort's pristine private beach, the complex boasts stunning 270 degrees views of the ocean and exquisitely landscaped grounds. To celebrate its new addition the resort is offering:
" Stay 7/Pay 5 Valid 1Oct 07-31 March 08
" Stay 10/Pay 8 Valid until 31 March 2008
More information can be obtained from Manager North America Deborah Roberts on email: northamerica@wrd.com.au

DOLPHIN ISLAND ANNOUNCES NEW RATES
The 13-acre private island paradise known as Dolphin Island Private Island in Fiji, managed by Huka Retreats, has recently announced new guestroom tariffs available from October 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008. As a guest of the resort, travelers receive three meals a day, a standard bar, accommodations for three nights, vehicle transport to and from Nadi and transfer to Dolphin Island via boat. The upscale resort provides island-style accommodations for four guests at any given time. Guests are guaranteed exclusive use of the private island for their entire stay.
Information Director of Sales & Marketing Louise Smythe: louise@hukaretreats.com.nz

SPECIALTY DRINKS ON THE MENU AT THE HOLIDAY INN SUVA
Holiday Inn Suva has recently created a series of "wicked concoctions" offered at the hotel's Tapa Bar, including the "Hibiscus Fling," Festiva," and Flying Fijians." The bar's coffee corner has proved popular during the recent Hibiscus Festival and also offers a delicious blend of coffee drinks custom blended lattes, cappuccinos and espressos created by the Tapa Bar Staff.
Information: Fane Niumataiwalu sales@holidayinnsuva.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 when booking an ocean front suite, ocean front bure or ocean front guestroom. In addition, the resort offers to children 12 years old and under free accommodations when they share a guestroom with two adults and eat free from the restaurant's restaurant buffet when accompanied by one adult meal. The attractive offer is valid through September 28, 2007 for travel through December 20, 2007.
In addition to the special deal, the resort is pleased to announce several resort enhancements, including newly-renovated honeymoon bures and garden bures, a new deck with a day bed, outdoor furnishings and lush new landscaping. Information sales@manifiji.com.

JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU FIJI ISLANDS RESORTS WELCOMES GUESTS IN REAL STYLE
When checking in to Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, guests receive
the royal treatment - a complimentary therapeutic botanical foot treatment. Travelers hot, weary feet never felt so good at the end of this soothing coconut milk soak and sugar scrub. Guests immerse their feet in a foot bath of floating vibrant tropical flowers as part of the daily ritual.
Information. fijiresort.com.

SONAISALI ISLAND RESORT FIJI WEDDINGS PACKAGE
Couples seeking a truly authentic wedding ceremony look no further than Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji when tying the knot. The luxury resort's new Wedding Paradise Package priced from $1,871 offers an experience unsurpassed anywhere else in Fiji. The package highlights the arrangement of wedding license, minister's attendance, decorated wedding location at the resort's wedding bure, two Fijian flower girls, the warriors, choir, wedding boat, bouquet, wedding cake, a romantic candlelit dinner, professional photographer and wedding album.
Information: Sales & Marketing Manager Barbara Scott sales@sonaisali.com.

SHERATON DENARAU VILLAS AWARDED BEST HOTEL IN THE PACIFIC ISLANDS AT 2007 HOTEL CLUB AWARDS
Sheraton Denarau Villas has been named "Best Hotel In The Pacific Islands" at the Annual Hotel Club Awards held at Doltone House in Sydney. The resort took top honors among 32 hotels and resorts in the Pacific Islands category for the 2007 awards, which were voted for by more than 50,000 hotel club customers across 200 countries. In addition, the Fiji Islands were named "Best Destination" in the Oceanic Region category.
On accepting the award, Andrew Fairbairn, senior business development manager for Sheraton Resorts Fiji said that "It is an honor for Fiji to be named "Best Destination" out of the numerous destinations represented in the Oceanic Region and more so to have Sheraton Denarau Villas named "Best Hotel in the Pacific Islands." He added, "This prestigious accolade adds to the commitment of the owners and the dedication of the resort team in maintaining Sheraton Denarau Villas at the highest possible standards in which Sheraton is known."
Information: Marketing Communications Coordinator Mohammed Aleem aleem@sheraton.com.

WARWICK FIJI RESORT & SPA EXTENDS ALL- INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
In an effort to keep tourism on track to the Coral Coast, the Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa is delighted to offer an extension of its All-Inclusive Special that guarantees guests checking in with an ocean view room when they book through October 31, 2007 for travel between January 11-March, 31, 2008.
Information: Senior sales Manager Petero Manufalau sales@warwickfiji.com.

SOFITEL FIJI RESORT & SPA LIFTS THE CURTAIN ON NEW BEACH SIDE DINNER PACKAGES AND SPECIAL MENU
In an attempt to entice food lovers, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is offering a series of romantic Salt Sensation dinners. The romantic beachside dinners for two highlight a three-course pre- set menu, accompanied by a deluxe beverage package at $250 (Evans and taste or Mathew Land) or a Superior beverage package priced at $300 (Moet et Chandon). In addition, the resort has introduced a new "gluten free" policy for restaurant patrons, creating a range of new menu items designed especially for the gluten intolerant and coeliacs travelling to the Fiji Islands.

THE WAKAYA CLUB IN FIJI ADDS AMBASSADOR'S BURE
The newest addition to The Wakaya Club's accommodations is the 10th and final bure - the glamorous 4,000-square-foot luxurious ocean front Ambassador's Bure. The spacious air-conditioned two-bedroom retreat is designed for a maximum of two couples or four people. It features a secluded, covered, rear Plunge/Water Shiatsu Pool Lanai, separate living room with a full kitchen/dining area for up to six guests, DVD/VCR and stereo system with an IPod connection and surround sound, and wireless internet.
Each of the two bedrooms feature a four-poster king bed, spacious walk-in closet, writing desk, luxuriously-appointed bathroom, including two separate vanities, a private outdoor shower, generous soaking tub-designed for up to two!-and separate W.C. with bidet. In addition to all these attributes, the Ambassador's Bure has its very own Spa. Two treatment rooms replete with a relaxation area which has a totally private Plunge/Water Shiatsu Pool Lanai.
Information: wendy@wakaya.com.

CORAL COAST RESORT ROLLS OUT FESTIVE "CELEBRATIONS IN THE TROPICS 2007" PROGRAM
As Fiji prepares itself for the most celebrates events in the calendar year, The Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa is unveiling its "Celebration in the Tropics 2007" program. The Coral Coast resort will offer a Pre-Christmas Celebration, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and Boxing Day festivities at the luxury resort. During the holidays, travellers can enjoy a host of planned activities, including a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Kids Christmas Tree Decorating, Christmas Eve Cocktails, Christmas Carols led by a local Fijian choir, music by DJ Api, a performance by the Heartbeatz band and host of meals including Christmas Lunch Buffet, New Years Even Fiesta Buffet, a special Wicked Walu New year's Eve menu and a Boxing Beach BBQ Dinner Party.
Information: sales@warwickfiji.com.fj.

BLUE LAGOON CONTINUES "MATES RATE" SPECIAL FOR NORTH AMERICA
Blue Lagoon Cruises "Mates Rate" Special for North America offers a "take a mate for free." As part of the special, one person pays the single rate and can take a companion for free on the cruise line's 7 day and 4 day Gold Club Cruises, subject to availability at time of reservations.
The special is available for sale from October 1 through January 31, 2008 for travel departures between October 4 through December 17, 2007 inclusive and January 7 through April 28, 2008. Information: bluelagooncruises.com.

Fiji Visitors Bureau  5777 West Century Blvd. Suite 220  Los Angeles, CA 90045

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