A Fiji first FIJIAN TOURISM EXPO SHOW REVIEW


The 1st Fijian Tourism Expo (May 5-8), at the new Denarau Island Convention Centre, Sheraton Fiji Resort, attracted 230 sellers and 150 international buyers. Sally Parker reports


NZ flights on the up


FIJI Airways increased its flights from Christchurch, New Zealand, to twice- weekly from July, to bolster its New Zealand schedule which includes 12 flights a week from Auckland. The move will enable Fiji to be sold as an add-on to New Zealand, as well as to Australia, which is linked to Fiji through a twice-daily direct service from Sydney. The airline bought three A330s last year and will be adding another to its fleet in 2015. An interline agreement with Etihad Airways also allows reciprocal sales from 12 cities in Europe. Domestic carrier Pacific Sun will change its name to Fiji Link later in 2014. fijiairways.com


“THE OPENING CEREMONY SHOWED HOW FAR FIJI HAS COME. BUYERS WHO HAD NOT VISITED FOR YEARS WERE BLOWN AWAY”


JANE WEST, UK/IRELAND REPRESENTATIVE, TOURISM FIJI


IN BRIEF Tee time: A new professional golf


tournament, the Fiji International, will take place August 14 to 17 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course on the Coral Coast. The government has agreed a five-year deal for the event which offers a US$1 million prize and will attract top golfers as well as showcasing Fiji as a golf destination. fijiinternational.com


Cruises has


Cruise improvements: Blue Lagoon re-launched its


New Starwood property: The five-star flagship


vessel the Fiji Princess after a FJ$1.2- million refurbishment. The 68-berth cruise ship has undergone an interior re-design to give it a nautical theme. The vessel offers new three to- seven-day itineraries throughout the Yasawa Islands. bluelagooncruises.com


Sheraton Resort and Spa Tokoriki Island, the only branded property in the Mamanucas, opened in June. One of the largest upscale resorts in Fiji, the resort has 101 rooms and suites which span seven different categories, as well as a spa and three dining options. starwoodhotels.com


FIJI’S Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum, opened the Expo by telling delegates the 'sell out' show demonstrated how


strongly the Pacific Tourism Ocean


destination's international partners are committed to the growth of tourism. Future plans revealed include a FJ$100- million (£32.4m) upgrade to Nadi international airport and a road expansion programme, which will see the road out of the airport widened by two extra lanes. “Investment has allowed Tourism Fiji to plan ahead, capitalise on longer-term opportunities and expand global relationships that are vital to the future of our industry,” added Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.


Fiji CEO, Rick Hamilton,


explained that the aim of the expo was to showcase the many operators who make Fiji what it is, while Elizabeth Powell, Chair of Tourism Fiji said Fiji's 'unification' was the theme. “What makes Fiji different is the Fijians, a combination of different cultures which have come together to create a unique, unified culture," she said. The expo provided the local industry an


opportunity to promote its Made in Fiji products and culture,


which were


showcased by a Fijian crafts vllage, live performances from local musicians, cultural groups, chefs and artists. Fiji.travel


Made in Fiji a big success


Fiji's hotel stock gets a makeover


THERE has been a raft of hotel openings,


refurbishments,


Hotel (grandpacifichotel.com.fj) reopened this summer following a refurbishment and expansion. When it opened in 1914 it was the South Pacific’s first international hotel built


in a colonial


wing), plus a spa, gym, pool, seven bars and restaurants and a butler service. Relaunching is Fiji Orchid (fijiorchid.com), a high-end,


adult-only, and


additions to hotels across the islands. Landmark property the Grand Pacific


style and now


re-launches after a 22-year hiatus. It has 113 rooms (including a new


boutique


property 15km north of Nadi Airport. The resort has six bures, in African safari tent-style, and can be twinned with its all-inclusive, seven-bure sister property, (including one made of glass),


on


Nukubati Private Island. Refurbishments have taken place at


Beqa Islands’ Lalati Resort & Spa (lalatifiji.com),


where seven new


premium honeymoon villas have been added. Set in tropical gardens with water views, the villas have private gazebos overlooking the bay. Warwick Fiji (warwickhotels.com) has also refurbished most of its rooms, bar, lounge and pool, while Vomo Island Resort (vomofiji.com) has added outdoor areas with baths to two of its villas, as well as a new gym, spa and chef.


www.sellinglonghaul.com

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