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FVB-THE AMERICAS UPDATE
BUREAU EMBARKS ON MAJOR CABLE TELEVISION CAMPAIGN
FVB – The Americas has partnered with major wholesale partner, Qantas Vacations; national airline carrier, Air Pacific; and key Fiji suppliers on a three-month cable TV campaign. Styling along its brand new “Fiji Me” positioning, the campaign is expected to reach 4.5 million households on the West Coast. The Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau is confident that the campaign will deliver good results in what will be a challenging year for Fiji Tourism. Information: Adeline Lee Erasito, Regional Marketing Officer; alee@bulafiji-americas.com.
MORE THAN 100 MATAI AGENTS SET TO VISIT FIJI IN 2007
With 212 members and more than $4 million worth of travel booked to Fiji in 2005i, the Matai ~ Fiji Islands Specialist Program is right on target for 2007 with more than 100 Matai agents set to visit Fiji in 2007. Under the leadership of Regional Coordinator Jese Naka, the destination loyalty program consists of a core group of North American travel agents who have a passion and desire to build Fiji as a holiday and business destination. Naka is presently gearing up for the program’s 2007 Matai Program with the preparation of 14 Matai agents set to visit Fiji later this year on a 13-day journey that exposes the country’s leading resorts and outstanding treasures. One agent, Sherry James of Voyager Traveler, has been a Matai agent for ten years, and has sent 18 clients and generated more than $50,000 of business for Fiji alone. She has also taken the initiative to organize her very own Fiji fam, planned for November, 2007 in which she will escort 14 other travel agents to Fiji.
Here’s what Fiji Matai Specialist Carmen Blake also had to say about her recent visit: “We had a wonderful time and I have several recommendations after returning from those who visited. I can’t wait to get more folks to travel to Paradise…This was truly a memorable trip and I want to thank all of you who made it so…Now I will continue to sell this Fiji I love so much… Information: jnaka@bulafiji-americas.com
SAVE THE DATE FOR FIJI ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU AMERICAS TRADE AND CONSUMER SHOWS & BULA SEMINARS!
Taking it to the road… Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau ask that you Save the Date for the following Bula Trade & Consumer Shows and Seminars slated for later this month: Boston Globe Travel Show – Boston, MA - March 23-25, 2007 Bay Area Travel Show – Santa Clara, California - March 24-25, 2007 Bula Northern California East – March 19-20, 2007 – Three-city visit, including West Sacramento, Sacramento and Walnut Creek Bula Southern California - Costa Mesa and Santa Monica March 26-27, 2007 Information: Regional Marketing Officer, Adeline Lee Erasito 310/568-1616, ext. 203.
PATRICK WONG NEW FVB CHAIRMAN
Patrick Wong has been appointed Chairman of the FVB. He replaces Sitiveni Weleilakeba whose three-year term expired in December 2006. Mr. Wong has been in the industry since 1981and is General Manager of Matamanoa Island Resort. Information: julia.h@fijifvb.gov.fj.
WATSON REPLACES TUAMOTO AS FVB DIRECTOR MARKETING
Former Director of Four Seasons Resorts in Bali, Mrs. Cherrill Watson, has been named Director of Marketing of the FVB, replacing Josefa Tuamoto, who has left the Bureau to become Director Commercial Operations for Blue Lagoon Cruises, effective March 3. Mrs. Watson, a Fiji citizen, has more than 28 years' experience in tourism. Information: julia.h@fijifvb.gov.fj.
SHARING BULA SPIRIT CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN FIJI
A major Tourism Action Group (TAG) initiative to increase tourism awareness of the importance of the visitor was launched in Suva by the Minister for Tourism, Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau. "Sharing the Bula Spirit" will be a full media campaign following a successful series of workshops throughout Fiji, organized by the Training & Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF). Information: tag@bulafiji.com.
FIJI MAKES HEADLINE NEWS
Some of the U.S.'s widely-read newspapers, magazines, newsletters and online publications are keeping Fiji foremost in the eyes of their readers and viewers. Here’s a sampling of what’s made recent headline news:
Hot off the press is Andrew Harper’s Hideaway’s March, 2007 newsletter that features Fiji’s Yasawa Island Resort and The Wakaya Club. The newsletter is a “Connoisseur’s Worldwide Guide to Peaceful and Unspoiled Places.”
Fiji was also named one of the top dive spots by adventure travel writer Darryl Leniuk in Canada’s number one rated daily newspaper The Globe & Mail (circulation 326,936) on February 2, 2007 and was showcased in Southern California’s slick San Diego Magazine (circulation 55,000) by freelance writer Jeffrey’ Lehman. Lehman’s January, 2007 editorial was entitled “Weekend Explorer,” a cultural feature about Pacific Harbor’s Arts Village. Slated for Spring and Summer, 2007 is an kayaking adventure article in Islands Magazine’s (circulation 213,241) April/May, 2007 issue and a dive editorial that is being written by Canadian travel journalist Michael DeFritas for the Summer, 2007 issue of Sport Diver Magazine (circulation 200,000). Information: Susan Bejeckian, sbpr@compuserve.com.
TWO OF THE U.S LEADING NATIONAL MAGAZINES FEATURE FIJI’S AS TOP SPOT FOR ISLAND GETAWAYS
Honeymooners are sure to catch a little bula bliss and spark an interest in visiting romantic Fiji this spring after reading Destination, Weddings & Honeymoons (circulation 175,000) Winter, 2006-2007 issue’s “Do Not Disturb” penned by managing editor Jackie D’Antonio and lifestyle magazine Town & Country’s (circulation 464,415) December, 2006 “Far & Away In Fiji” piece about Royal Davui, written by Los Angeles-based travel journalist Audrey Davidow. Information: Susan Bejeckian, sbpr@compuserve.com.
ONLINE WEDDING COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED
The third Fiji Visitors Bureau online competition received 81 entries from all over the world with the winner being announced on Valentines Day. The online competition was part of the Weddings & Honeymoon market campaign. Thank you to all those that entered the competition. Information: www.BulaFiji.com/Romance for the winning essay.
AON FIJI TOURISM EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The following were winners at the AON Fiji Tourism Excellence Award Night:
1. Adventure Tourism - Rivers Fiji
2. Shopping Experience - Pure Fiji
3. General Tourism Services - Fiji National Culinary Team
4. Accommodation: Unique - Royal Davui
5. Cruises - Overnight & Day - Blue Lagoon Cruises
6. Transportation - Awesome Adventures Fiji
7. Budget Accommodation: Mainland Viti Levu - Nomads Skylodge
8. Accommodation: Deluxe - Sonaisali Island Resort
9. Diving - Beqa Adventure Divers
10. Heritage, Arts and Culture - Arts Village
11. Accommodation: Quality - The Naviti Resort
12. Budget Accommodation: Other Islands including Vanua Levu - Oarsman's Bay Lodge
13. Tourist Attraction - Kula Eco Park
14. Tours, Transport & C&I Operators - Rosie Holidays
15. Restaurants - The Ivi Restaurant (Outrigger on the Lagoon) & Saffron Tandoori Restaurant, Nadi
16. Environmental Tourism - Rivers Fiji
17. Young Achiever - Cecilia Frost
18. Front Liner Awards - Jone Tavaga
19. Viti Award - Josefa Tuamoto
20. Lifetimer Achiever Award - David Wilson
21. Visionary Award - Ratu Epeli Bogileka & Andrew Fairley
INDUSTRY NEWS
FIRST OVERWATER BUNGALOWS OPEN AT LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT THIS MONTH
A couples only retreat, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, (LLR) nestled in the Mamanuca Group of islands, is planning to open its doors March 31, 2007 with the country’s’ first ever over water bures built on the edge of the lagoon. It marks the first development in the region since 1986 and already boasts 50 + bookings from North America! The resort spotlights 46 luxurious bures, all of them offering mesmerizing views of the volcanic coral lagoon and ocean, ten of which will be suspended over the magnificent lagoon’s reef edge. In celebration of the opening, the resort is offering a “House of Dreams” Package through March, 2008. The “House of Dreams” package allows guests to choose from a three or five night package that includes a sparking bottle of French champagne paired with luxurious spa treatments from the Tatadra Spa, nestled amongst the lush tropical gardens. Information: Catlin O’Loan: enquiries@ahuraresorts.com.
VIJAY SINGH VISITS FIJI IN EARLY 2007 TO PUT FINAL TOUCHES TO CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE
Fiji welcomed international championship golfer Vijay Singh when he visited the Pacific Island nation this past January, 2007. The legendary golfer viewed the progress of work on the planned golf course, located on the Coral Coast, he designed as part of the Natadola Marine Resort, known as InterContinental Resort Fiji, a 275-room hotel. The 18-hole championship course and hotel are due to open in early 2008. This was the golfer’s fourth trip to oversee work on the course. Along with the golf course, Singh will be personally involved in a special Golf Academy where Fijian youth can develop their game. Information: inquiry@natadolafiji.com.
FIJI ORCHID SET TO OPEN IN SUMMER, 2007
The Fiji Orchid, Nadi Fiji, only a 15-minute drive from Nadi International Airport, is set to open in Fiji in Summer, 2007, according to proprietor Jenny Leewai Bourke who also owns Nukubati Island, Fiji The Last Resort. Both hotels are members of the distinguished Select Hotels & Resorts International. The luxurious resort is Fiji’s newest resort in which to break up a journey before or after an international flight. Once the treasured property of North America TV actor Raymond Burr, the Hollywood star of the hit TV series “Ironside,” the two existing houses have been transformed in a gourmet restaurant and eight inspirational bures overlook the lush Raymond Burr’s Orchid Garden. Information: Caroline Davidson caroline@selecthotels.com.
VISITING FIJI JUST GOT EASIER WITH DEBUT OF HARMONY AIRWAYS NEW SERVICE TO FIJI THIS MONTH
Harmony Airways, Canada’s leader in full-service, competitive air travel, has added the South Pacific Island of Fiji to its network of vacation destinations in partnership with Air Pacific, the island’s national carrier by entering into a code share alliance. The relationship facilitates economy and business class service for travel between Vancouver and Honolulu with Harmony Airways to connect seamlessly with Air Pacific flights from Honolulu to Fiji. The partnership will commences on March 30, 2007 and operates twice per week on Friday and Sundays. Information: Director of Commercial Operations Bob Brattston: 604/248-7876.
CBS TELEVISION IN NEW YORK CITY “DR PHIL” SHOW PRESENTS U.S. COUPLE WITH SECOND HONEYMOON
With romance sill on the minds of travelers, CBS Television featured Fiji as the grand prize trip giveaway on the hit “Dr. Phil Television Show” as part of its February 14, 2007 Valentine’s Day “rekindle romance.” Dr. Phil presented to a couple on his show a surprise dream vacation for two with round-trip airfare on Air Pacific, Fiji’s international airline, and a seven-night stay at the remote Qamea Resort & Spa Fiji. The ultimate honeymoon was made possible courtesy of Renee-Duane-Meyer, founder and president of Unforgettable Honeymoons, a Portland Oregon-based company who is one of Fiji’s top-producing Matai agents and sells more than $1 million worth of travel to Fiji per year. The show has a viewership of 5 million. Information: renee@unforgettablehoneymooons.com.
NATADOLA AMONG TOP 25
ForbesTraveler Magazine, a top-end web page for travelers, has named Natadola Beach one of the “25 Sexiest Beaches in the World” in its December 2006 issue. Information: http://www.forberstraveler.com/2006/12/06121402_story.html.
SAN DIEGO RUGBY SEVENS WIN A BOOST FOR FIJI
Fiji's win at the San Diego Rugby Sevens tournament has raised the country's profile in the United States, says Ambassador of the Embassy of Fiji Jesoni Vitusagavulu. He believes the publicity created by the win will help in combined efforts by the Fiji Embassy in Washington, Fiji Trade Commission, Fiji Audio Visual Commission, Fiji Visitors Bureau and Air Pacific in the United States to attract more visitors and trade to Fiji.
MARAVU WINS BEST LUXURY RESORT IN SOUTH PACIFIC
Maravu Plantation Beach Resort & Spa has been chosen as “Best Luxury Hotel” in the South Pacific by TripAdvisor in its 2006 Travelers’ Choice Awards. TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards honor the world’s best hotels through travelers’ experiences. Information: Jochen Kiess kiess@connect.com.fj or visit www.maravu.net.
NAMALE ANNOUNCES NEW ONSITE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Namale Fiji Resort & Spa has appointed Simon Hazelman as its new Resort Operations Manager. Hazelman has been the Assistant Resort Manager for the past three years. Rosemarie R. Domdom also joined Namale’s onsite management team as Resort Business Development Manager earlier this month. Information: Namale Resort 672 6535 or www.namaleresort.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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