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ILI MATATOLU JOINS FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU AMERICAS TEAM
Ms Illisapeci (Ili) Matatolu was recently named the new Regional Director of the Americas for the Fiji Visitors Bureau. She replaces Mr Josaia (Joe) Rayawa who is joining the private sector. The announcement was made in Fall, 2007 by the Bureau’s Chief Bill Gavoka. In her new role Ili, who joined FVB Americas last month, will implement the Bureau’s marketing plan for Fiji in the USA/Canada markets. She joins a team that includes Regional Marketing Officer Adeline Lee, Administration Officer Vani Vogel, Fiji Matai Program Coordinator Jese Naka and Public Relations counsel Susan Bejeckian. Matatolu, who has been with the Bureau for 11 years, previously served as the Regional Director for the Bureau in Australia and prior to this was the Marketing Services Manager at the Bureau’s Head Office in Suva. She holds an Honors Degree in Tourism from James Cook University. Fiji is targeting 65,000 USA visitor arrivals and 11,000 Canadian visitors to Fiji in 2007. Both markets are expected to contribute $F134.5m in foreign exchange earnings to Fiji’s economy.
NEW “FIJI ME” MARKETING CAMPAIGN COMMENCES THIS MONTH
Just in time for 2007, the Bureau’s exciting new “Fiji Me” positioning will be progressively rolled out with its key trade partners this month. Fiji Me works on the proposition that the Fiji Islands were created for “relaxing holidays”. The campaign combines the use of bold destination photography with short poetic copy to convey a strong and consistent message aimed at North American travelers. Fiji Me destination images are now available and include the brand new “Fiji Me” DVD, complimentary to travel agents and consumers. More information can be obtained from Regional Marketing Officer Adeline Lee Erasito at 310/568-1616, ext 203.
TOURISM ACTION GROUP (TAG) ACTION PLAN PUTS FIJI BACK ON TRACK
Fiji’s Tourism Action Group (TAG) has been instrumental in directing the efforts of the tourism industry to recover lost ground after the political events of December 5, 2006. TAG’s goals are to restore confidence in the destination, initiate the recovery marketing effort and create “one voice” for the industry. The TAG committee is comprised of the Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau, partner airlines Air Pacific, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Pacific Blue, the Fiji Islands Hotel Association and the Society of Fiji Travel Associates. TAG is chaired by Mr. Damend Gounder, MD of Tour Managers and has two proactive committees – the Marketing Sub Committee and the PR Sub committee.
Its most recent achievement was the securing of an additional $3.8m from Fiji’s interim administration to implement Phase Two of the marketing program for Fiji. Phase One, concentrating on traditional markets of Australia and New Zealand, is showing positive results. The USA/Canadian market will concentrate on its partner plans, PR/Media program, Online campaigns and selected trade shows and Bula Seminars as part of the planned Phase Two of the current TAG campaign. Fiji hopes to attract a total of 541,000 visitors in calendar year 2007 and these visitors are expected to contribute $F888.1m to Fiji’s economy. Information: Regional Marketing Officer FVB Americas Adeline Lee Erasito 310/568-1616, ext 203.
FROM THE BUREAU TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR JOE TUAMOTO
The Bureau’s Chief Executive Bill Gavoka yesterday announced that Josefa (Joe) Tuamoto, Director of Marketing, will be leaving the FVB to join Blue Lagoon Cruises as its Director Commercial Operations.As quoted from Mr Gavoka “ His last day with us will be 5th March 2007. While sad, I am also proud that someone from the FVB is being chosen to assume a very senior position within the ranks of a major business in Fiji. Jo has worked with the FVB for some 11 years serving as Regional Director for Australia and The Americas before taking on the role of Director of Marketing in 2001. Jo's leadership in destination marketing saw phenomenal growth in visitor numbers for Fiji with records being exceeded each year except for 2006 and the crisis. We will miss Jo, his energy, drive and keen intellect. We wish him well in his new role. I will be announcing his replacement soon.” From the team in Los Angeles, we will greatly miss Joe’s direction and leadership. We wish him good success and look forward to working with him in his new role at Blue Lagoon Cruises.
SURVIVOR FIJI ON CBS NOW
After filming its 14th season with a 250-crew last Fall in Fiji, Survivor Fiji premiered on February 8th across America. The top-rated CBS reality TV program, hosted by Jeff Probst, took three months to shoot on location in the Macuata Province in Vanua Levu – Fiji’s second biggest island. The Bureau is confident that the series will enhance Fiji’s awareness in the US market.
FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU PROMOTIONS CALENDAR 2007
BULA SEMINARS SERIES
- Bula Northern California – West – 12-15 March
- Bula Northern California –East – 19-20 March
- Bula Oregon – 2-5 April
- Bula Colorado – 23-26 April
- Bula Texas – 29-31 May
- Bula Illinois/Wisconsin – 18-21 June
- Bula North East – 25-27 June
- Bula Arizona/New Mexico – 16-19 July
- Bula Washington – July 30-Aug 2
- Bula Mid East – 13-16 Aug
- Bula Michigan/Minnesota – 22-25 October
TRADE/CONSUMER PROMOTIONS
- Los Angeles Times Travel Show, Los Angeles CA – 10 – 11 February
- New York Times Travel Show, New York NY – 23 – 25 February
- Adventures in Travel Expo – Washington DC 3-4 March
- Boston Globe Travel Show –Boston ,MA 23-25 March
- Beneath the Sea – New Jersey - 23-25 March
- Bay Area Travel Show – Santa Clara, CA – 24-25 March
- Seaspace 2007 – Houston TX March 31-April 1
- Canada Roadshow – West/East Coast – 10-18th September
- SPF 40 – Los Angeles, CA – 20-22 September
- ITME – Motivational Show, Chicago, IL – 25-27 Sept
- Minnesota Travel Show – 27-28 October
- Philadelphia Travel Show – 17-18 Nov
- Luxury Travel Expo – 4-6 December
More information can be obtained from Adeline Lee on email: alee@bulafiji-americas.com
FIJI BETTER THAN EVER” HOT DEALS
There has never been a better and more affordable time to visit Fiji and the country’s leading partners are offering a host of Hot Deals:
AIR PACIFIC EXTENDS ITS $754 FIJI FUN FARES
A sure bet to please Fiji bound travelers, Air Pacific, Fiji international airline, recently announced the extension of the “book by” date, departure date and duration of stay of its $754 Fiji Fun Fares. As of January 11, 2007, passengers now have until March 30, 2007 to book their reservation and purchase their tickets and may depart up to June 17, 2007.These newly-extended booking and travel dates will provide travelers with more flexibility when planning their vacation to Fiji. Information: Barbara Gaston 310/568-8676 and Reservations 800/227-4446 www.airpacificusa.com
AVIS OFFERS THE VERY BEST FOR LESS
During the months of February and March, 2007, Avis is providing visitors to Fiji the opportunity to take advantage of its three-day package, priced from $58 per day at select Avis locations in Fiji, including Sheraton Fiji Resort, Westin Resort & Spa, Shangri-la Fijian, Korotogo (behind the Outrigger on the Lagoon) and at Korolevu nears Naviti. Information: Manager Fiji Cathy Kumar 679 672 2233 www.avis.com.fj
SUPER MEAL DEAL A SURE BET AT CASTAWAY ISLAND, FIJI
In support of the TAG recovery program, Castaway Island, Fiji is pleased to announce the extension of its “Super Meal Deal” for those traveling April 1-June 30, 2007. The offer applies to new bookings only. Resort goers receive a full choice of hot and cold selections from the breakfast buffet, an unrestricted selection of items from the a la carte lunch menu, including wood fired pizzas and an unrestricted selection of items from the a la carte dinner menu, including gourmet wood fired pizzas and themed night buffets. Information: North American Representative Joan Marso 866/237-6304. www.castawayfiji.com. E-mail: joan@marsomarketing.com
CRUSOE’S RETREAT CONTINUES STAY/PAY SPECIAL FOR TRAVELERS
Travelers to Fiji can now take advantage of Crusoe’s Retreat Stay/Pay Special Extended Offer with a minimum seven-night stay.Guests enjoy a Stay seven/pay five valid for sales and travel through March 31, 2008. The special includes free full breakfast daily, complimentary afternoon tea daily, and a complimentary welcome cocktail, a shell lei and a host of resort activities, including the resort’s snorkeling seafari’s, handline fishing boat trips, and Polynesian dance performances. Information: North American Sales Representative Paul Rec 679 6500 185 www.crusoesretreat.com
DISCOVER ROMANTIC FIJI WITH KORO SUN ROMANCE PACKAGE
Experience romantic Fiji with Koro Sun’s romance package valid for travel through July 1, 2007. The new package highlights six nights ocean view bure accommodation and three gourmet meals a day, complimentary round-trip ground transfers from/to Savusavu Airport and all non-motorized resort activities plus a choice of one free upgrade. The resort’s Deluxe Romance Package include first night private candlelight celebration dinner for two with complimentary bottle of wine, first morning champagne breakfast in bure, private beach picnic and couples massage at the Rainforest Spa. Priced from $899 per person. Information: Resort Manager Merlyn Young 877/877-KOROSUN www.korosunresort.com E-mail: Merlyn@korosunresort.com.fj
NEW OPENING SPECIAL UNVEILED FOR LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT FIJI
Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji, which is putting the touches on Fiji’s first over-water bungalows, is celebrating their opening with a special Stay six/pay four rate. The offers is valid from March 15-March 31, 2007. Reservations: 679/672-0978 or enquiries@likilikulagoon.com and www.likulikulagoon.com
MANA ISLAND RESORT PRESENTS NORTH AMERICA SPECIAL
When traveling to Fiji during March 1-June 30, 2007, visitors can take advantage of Mana Island Resort’s North America special three-night stay, priced at single/Double (twin) net F $300.00 per room, per night. The offer is available for sale February 1-March 30, 2007. Information: Hiroshi Matsumoto 679 665-0419 www.manafiji.com
MATANGI PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT’S CELEBRATES NEW YEAR WITH SPECIAL OFFERS
Tucked away on Fiji’s Northern Island, Matangi Private Island Resort is also debuting special resort escapes: Stay seven/pay six, Stay 14/pay 12 (valid from April-December 15, 2007) and Stay seven/pay five and a Stay 12/pay ten offer through March, 2008. Honeymoons are treated to a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, a private dinner for two at a choice of the resort’s many romantic dining locations, a private island picnic and a special Matangi honeymoon gift. Information: Manager North America Debora Roberts 800.869-5409 matangiisland.com E-mail: northamerica@wrd.com.au
OUTRIGGER ON THE LAGOON FIJI GIVES GUESTS A REASON TO VISIT
Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji is giving guests a good reason to visit with their new special bonus offer Stay five/pay three and Stay eight/pay five for all check-ins on or prior to June 30, 2007. Information: North American Sales Manager Jona Marso 866/237-6304 www.outriggerfiji.com. E-mail: joan@marsomarketing.com
LIMTED DURATION SALE SET FOR FIJI’S QAMEA RESORT AND SPA FIJI
To celebrate the recent release of special Fiji fare on both Air Pacific and Air New Zealand, Qamea Resort And Spa Fiji is pleased to release its “Qamea Limited Duration Sale” for guests staying at the resort through June, 2007. The sale offers a range of Stay/Pay specials: Stay seven/pay five, Stay eight/pay six, Stay ten/pay seven, and Stay 14/pay ten. The northern island resort offers a newly refurbished guestrooms and new pool deck, complete with romantic covered daybeds and will enhance the resort’s diving department this year. Information: Resort Owner Ron Eckstrom 425/296-7722. www.qamea.com. E-mail: qameaowners@connect.com.fj
RADISSON RESORT FIJI DENARAU ISLAND PRESENTS ATTRACTIVE STAY FIVE PAY FOUR SPECIAL
Another one of Fiji’s top new brands Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island is also offering a Stay five/pay four special offer. The package is being offering through February 28, 2007 for travel during the August-December, 2007 time frame. Information: Director of Sales & Marketing Joshua Lee 679 6751 246 www.radison.com/fiji. E-mail: joshua.lee@radisson.com
FREE MEAL PACKAGE OFFERED AT SONAISALI ISLAND RESORT WITH FIVE-NIGHT STAY
The award-winning Sonaisali Island Resort is selling a free meal package with a minimum five-night stay through April 30, 2007. Resort guests enjoy a two-course lunch, afternoon tea, a three-course dinner or themed buffet at the Sunset Terrace Restaurant. The offer is per person per day. Information: Manager North America Debora Roberts 800/869-5409 www.sonaisali.com E-mail: northamerica@wrd.com.au
TOKORIKI ISLAND RESORT ALLOWS GUESTS TO EAT FOR FREE!
“Eat for Free” is a new program being implemented during the months of February-May, 2007 by Tokoriki Island Resort. With a minimum stay of five nights in the resort’s bures or villas, guests eat three meals a day for FREE! Meals include full American breakfast, a two-course lunch and a three-course dinner daily per person. The offer is available for sale through May 15, 2007 and for travel February 1, to May, 2007. Information: North America Sales Manager Marie Yalenkatian 818/731-6160 www.tokoriki.com.
VATULELE SIZZLES WITH ATTRACTIVE WEDDING OFFER
Coinciding with the Northern hemisphere’s wedding season, the award-winning Vatulele Island Resort is offering a one-off special for genuine honeymoons and wedding celebrants. The offer allows guests to Pay six/stay up to ten nights. The attractive offer includes private villa, all meals, all beverages including alcohol, all excursions and activities, exclusive of scuba diving and massage. Information: Manager North America Debora Roberts 800/869-5409 www.vatulele.com E-mail: northamerica@wrd.com.au
FIJI INDUSTRY UPDATE
MARAVU PLANTATION BEACH RESORT & SPA WINS BEST LUXURY RESORT IN SOUTH PACIFIC
Maravu Plantation Beach Resort & Spa has a reason to celebrate. Fiji’s full-service resort was recently chosen “Best Luxury Hotel” in the South Pacific by TripAdvisor in its 2006 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Now in its 5th year, the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are uniquely selected by millions of travelers from around the world who provide their real and unbiased reviews or opinions about hotels on tripadvisor.com. Information: Owner Jochen Kiess kiess@connect.com.fj www.maravu.net.
NEW GENERAL MANAGER JOINS MANAGEMENT TEAM AT OUTRIGGER ON THE LAGOON FIJI
The award-winning Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji has recently appointed Darren Shaw as the resort’s new general manger. Shaw brings 18 years of experience to the resort. The new executive will continue in the previous management’s footsteps to continue to develop Fiji’s first AAA rated five-star resort located on the Coral Coast. Previous General Manager Paul Hughes has been appointed chief operating officer of the resort’s holding company and will be assisting the owner and Shaw with several new planned developments. Information: Director of Sales & Marketing Andrew Gee 61 2 9969 8253 www.outriggerfiji.com
SOFITEL FIJI RESORT & SPA WELCOMES NEW SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR
In true Sofitel fashion, the five-star Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island in Fiji, has recently welcomed the new year with the appointment of new Director of Sales & Marketing Heather Gordon. Gordon’s impressive career in sales and marketing for hotels and resorts spans almost 20 years. www.sofitelfiji.com.fj
AWARD-WINNING NAMALE ~ THE FIJI ISLANDS RESORT & SPA ANNOUNCES NEW ONSITE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Namale ~ The Fiji Islands Resort & Spa has recently announced the appointment of its new management team. Simon Hazelman will be the resort’s new resort operations manager. Hazelman who has been the assistant resort manager for the past three years brings more than 25 of experience in the Fiji hospitality industry to his new position. In addition, Rosemarie R. Domdom will act as the new resort business development manager and will be based onsite beginning March 1, 2007. In her new capacity, Domdom will continue her role in sales and marketing and oversee all revenue generating departments at Namale. A new food and beverage manager will also be announced later this year. Information: 800/727-FIJI, 3454 www.namaleresort.com
PACIFIC SUN (FJ) DOMESTIC SCHEDULE NOW EFFECTIVE BEGINNING FEBRUARY, 2007
Pacific Sun, Fiji’s regional airline, has unveiled its new daily domestic service schedule immediately effective February 1, 2007. Travelers can fly to Kadavu, Labasa, Mana Island, Nadi, Plantation Island, Suva, Savusavu and Taveuni as part of the airline’s new schedule. Information: Inside Sales Representative Christine Blaha 310/568-8676, ext. 236 www.airpacificusa.com
For any further information, please contact the Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau: Ms. Adeline Lee Erasito, Regional Marketing. Telephone: 1 310 568 1616 Facsimile: 1 310 670 2318 Email: alee@bulafiji-americas.com Website: www.fijime.com |
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