 TOURISM FIJI NEWS
JANUARY TO MAY SHOW DECREASE BUT TOURISM FIJI OPTIMISTIC
While the current tourism visitor arrival statistics for Fiji reflect a 29.6% drop in visitor arrivals, Tourism Fiji is optimistic in seeing a turn around and the long term growth prospects from its US market. January to May 2009 statistics for the US market show that Fiji hosted a total of 17,968 US passport holders, compared to 25,552 for the same period last year. The Canadian market showed similar numbers with January to May 2009 statistics recording 5,919 Canadians, against 7,822 for the same period in 2008. Against the backdrop of a sluggish economy, credit card squeeze, falling demand, these statistics were to be expected” said Ili Matatolu, Regional Director for Tourism Fiji (North Americas). However we expect to see numbers turn around as the economy gradually improves”.
Information: ili@bulafiji-americas.com
FIJI GOES VIRTUAL
In an effort to increase its marketability in the US, Tourism Fiji is partnering with Performance Media Group to conduct the FIJI ME VIRTUAL EXPO on 2nd and 3rd November 2009. The Expo will feature national airline partner Air Pacific and top suppliers, cruise companies and dive operators to showcase Fiji. The event is expected to be “live” from 9am to 1pm PST on the above dates.
Information: ili@bulafiji-americas.com NEW TOURSM FIJI CONSUMER GUIDE IS HOT OFF THE PRESS
Tourism Fiji has recently published 30,000 copies of a 10 X 13 Consumer Guide packed with useful information about the Pacific Island destination for travelers to Fiji.
The book is free for asking and is available at the Tourism Fiji office in Los Angeles.
Information: ili@bulafiji-americas.com
 TOURISM FIJI PUBLISHES 2010 ROMANCE ME GUIDE FEATURING FIJI’S TOP RESORTS
Tourism Fiji is preparing for the publication of the 2010 Romance Me Guide featuring the Island nation’s growing wedding and honeymoon market. The 2010 Guide will be distributed worldwide to the travel trade through all of Tourism Fiji’s overseas offices, representatives, major wholesalers and retail partners, major international shows and workshops. All participating properties will have their wedding packages accessible and downloadable at www.fijime.com/romanceme
Information: imucunabitu@tourismfiji.com.fj AIRLINE UPDATEAIR PACIFIC EXTENDS $530 ROUNDTRIP RATE FROM LAX TO NADI FOR PURCHASE THROUGH
NOVEMBER 15, 2009
Travelers to Fiji can still take advantage of Air Pacific’s $530 roundtrip rate from LAX to Nadi. The airline has extended the offer for purchase through
November 15, 2009 and travel through May 31, 2010.
Information:
cblaha@airpacific-lax.com
AIR PACIFIC ANNOUNCES NEW SERVICE BETWEEN HONOLULU AND SAMOA ON FRIDAYS
Beginning September 11, 2009, Air Pacific will offer direct service between Honolulu and Apia every Friday. Airfare will start at FJ$852 one-way.
Information: cblaha@airpacific-lax.com
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES LAUNCHES NEW NON-STOP SERVICES FROM HONOLULU TO FIJI
Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) recently announced new service from Honolulu to Nadi, Fiji. The service will begin December 18, 2009. The flights will also offer convenient connections from the U.S. mainland, Japan and Continental’s Micronesian network to Nadi. The flights from Honolulu International Airport (NHL) will operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 6:55 p.m. and arriving in Nadi at 11:40 p.m. the following day. Return flights will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays departing at 8:50 a.m. and arriving in Honolulu at 5:25 p.m. the previous day, after crossing the International Date Line.
Information: www.continental.com RESORT UPDATE / HOT DEALS
ONE ISLAND LUXURY RESORTS:
WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS NOMINATE JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU FIJI ISLANDS RESORT FOR ‘AUSTRALASIA’S LEADING GREEN HOTEL’
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is the only hotel in Fiji to be nominated for a World Travel Award in the category of ‘Australasia’s Leading Green Hotel.’ The resort won the award in 2008, in addition to winning a World Travel Award in the category ‘Fiji’s Leading Resort.’ To vote for the 2009 World Travel Awards, please visit: http://www.worldtravelawards.com/nominees2009-5.Information: bwolfe@passportresorts.com NUKUBATI ISLAND THE GREAT SEA REEF FIJI, RATED BY TRIPADVISOR AS TOP LUXURY RESORT, UNLEASHES SERIES OF STAY&PAY PACKAGES
Guests of Nukubati Island the Great Sea Reef, Fiji can now take advantage of some great stay & pay package rates, including ‘Stay five nights for the price of four,’ ‘Stay 7 nights for the price of 6’ and ‘Stay 10 nights for the price of 8 packages at Nukubati Island The Great Sea Reef, Fiji.
Each package includes: - All meals including a romantic picnic on a secluded sandbank
- All beverages including alcohol
- Daily laundry/maid service
- All non-motorized resort activities
- 30-minute massage per person
- Return transfers between Labasa airport and Nukubati
Information: www.nukubati.com ROYAL DAVUI ISLAND FIJI UNVEILS SOUTH PACIFIC BEACH WEDDING PACKAGE
Voted ‘Most Romantic Island Hideaway’ in the South Pacific, Caribbean and Atlantic by Conde Nast for two years running, Royal Davui is the ideal setting for a secluded, beachfront wedding. Priced at US$1520.00, the Royal Davui South Pacific Beach Wedding package includes: - A Fijian Methodist minister or local Justice of the Peace to conduct the ceremony
- Choice of wedding site, including a beachfront wedding
- Floral decorations
- Marriage license
- Orchid bouquet
- Celebrant free of charge
- Flower girl in traditional dress
- Two 50 minute beach massages
- Fijian choir
- Candle lit champagne dinner
- Wedding extras: Wedding cake, buttonhole spray, hair and makeup.
Information: www.royaldavui.com ROYAL DAVUI ISLAND FIJI AWARDED TOP SPOT IN MODERN BRIDE’S ‘WORLD BEST HONEYMOON’ COMPETITION
The 13th annual 'World's Best Honeymoon' has voted Royal Davui #1 in Fiji and 9th in the World by Virtuoso agents – as featured in Modern Bride August/September USA 2009 issue. Redefining laid-back luxury, Royal Davui offers 16 exquisitely appointed and air-conditioned vales that are created with couples in mind, with private terraces, stone plunge pools and views of white sand beaches over sapphire waters – making this the ideal location for your honeymoon.
Information: www.royaldavui.com TOKORIKI ISLAND RESORT FIJI INTRODUCES THE ‘BABYMOON’ RETREAT FOR COUPLES EXPECTING THEIR FIRST CHILD
Tokoriki Island Resort has proven to be a popular spot for ‘Babymoons’ providing couples with their last taste of life together before they welcome their new child into the world. Couple Aaron and Dorothy Nicholls participated in a ‘Babymoon’ in December 2008, two months before their baby Isa was born. “We’re so happy we took our Babymoon at Tokoriki and have told everyone we know how much fun we had,” noted the couple.
Information: www.tokoriki.com QAMEA RESORT AND SPA INTRODUCES SIX NIGHT ‘LEARN TO DIVE’ PACKAGE Qamea Resort and Spa has unveiled a six-night ‘Learn to Dive’ package. Priced at US$1,999 per person, the getaway includes: - Six nights accommodations in an air-conditioned beachfront bure
- All daily meals
- Full PADI open water certification
- Four additional ocean dives with instructor
Information: www.qamea.com DENARAU ISLAND
WESTIN DENARAU RESORT & SPA PROVIDES 50% OFF DAILY RATES THROUGH 2010
Guests who book now through August 31, 2009 will receive 50% off the daily rack rate at the Westin Denarau Resort & Spa, when traveling between August 24, 2009 and December 24, 2009 and between January 14, 2010 and March 31, 2010. The stay will include complimentary daily breakfast.
Information: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin ELEVATE YOUR EVENT TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL AT THE WESTIN DENARAU ISLAND RESORT & SPA FIJI As one of Fiji’s largest conference venues, The Sheraton & Westin Resorts on Denarau Island offer an array of versatile indoor and outdoor venues, including the new Tagimoucia Event Center, to cater to a wide range of events from business meetings to elegant cocktail parties to incentive programs. Meeting planners who book and hold their next event between July 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 will receive these great value added benefits: - Exclusive group rates from FJ$295 per person
- Free Day meetings with one or two night residential conferences
- Free day meetings and free third night of accommodations for three night residential conferences
- Daily buffet breakfast at Ocean Terrace restaurant
- 50% off 18 holes of golf at Denarau Golf & Racquet Club
- 50% off 90 minute massage treatments at the Heavenly Spa by Westin, Fiji
Information: www.starwoodmeetings.com/freemeetings+freenights SHERATON AND WESTIN RESORTS DENARAU ISLAND FIJI NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
Sheraton and Westin Resorts, Denarau Island, Fiji has announced the appointment of Paul Yui as Director of Sales and Marketing for the resorts. In his new role, Yui will lead the award winning Sales & Marketing team in the areas of sales, marketing and convention services for the three Starwood Resorts on Denarau Island in Fiji, including the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Resort and Sheraton Denarau Villas.
Yui brings with him 12 years experience in the hospitality industry. He has worked with Starwood resorts since early 2000, holding a number of key management and leadership roles during his tenure. Most recently Yui held the position of Director of Sales for Sheraton on the Park, in Sydney, Australia.
Information: erica.robinson@sheraton.com THE CORAL COAST
WARWICK FIJI RESORT & SPA GIVES FAMILIES SOME VALUE TOGETHER TIME WITH ‘STAY & PAY’ PACKAGES
Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa is now offering ‘Stay 6/Pay 3,’ ‘Stay 8/Pay 4’ and ‘Stay 10/Pay 5’ packages to visitors who book now through September 30, 2009 for travel between August 17, 2009 and December 22, 2009 and between January 11, 2010 and March 31, 2010. Daily buffet breakfast is included in the package and up to two children per family can stay and eat free of charge from the kids’ menu.
Information: http://warwickfijihotel.com MAMANUCA GROUP
LOMANI ISLAND RESORT FLIES GUESTS TO RESORT FOR FREE VIA HELICOPTER
Lomani Island Resort is now offering complimentary helicopter transfers for visitors. Guests who book a five-night stay at the resort will receive a complimentary one way helicopter transfer, while guests who stay seven nights at the resort will receive a complimentary round-trip helicopter transfer, valued at FJ$1,200.
Information: http://www.lomaniisland.com MANA ISLAND RESORT & SPA DEBUTS BEACH WEDDING SPECIAL
Guests of Mana Island Resort & Spa who book a stay of five nights or more in an ocean front bure are eligible for a complimentary ‘simple wedding package’ on the beach. The offer can be extended to receive 50% off for a beach or chapel wedding package.
Information: sales@manafiji.com SONAISALI ISLAND RESORT EXTENDS POPULAR SPECIAL OFFERS THROUGH 2010
Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji has extended their special offers through 2010, including the ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ package and the ‘Eat for Free’ deal.
With the ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ package, guests to the resort who stay for two nights receive a third nights’ stay, free of charge. This package is available for purchase and travel through June 15, 2010, with blackout dates over the Christmas and New Year period.
Guests who book five nights or more at the resort qualify for the ‘Eat for Free’ deal, with complimentary meals provided throughout the entire stay. This offer is valid for sale and travel through March 31, 2011, with blackout dates over the Christmas and New Year period.
Information: http://www.sonaisali.com THE YASAWAS
NAVUTU STARS RESORT FIJI UNVEILS COMPLIMENTARY WEDDING PACKAGE
Navutu Stars Resort is a boutique resort situated on three pristine bays in the Yasawa Islands, an idyllic setting for a wedding in paradise. Now, betrothed guests who book a week’s stay at the resort will receive a complimentary wedding ceremony along with their stay, to include: - Wedding registration
- A priest to preside over the ceremony
- A village choir
- Orchid bouquet
- Wedding cake
- Traditional decoration of the newlyweds’ bure
- Full continental breakfast each morning for two
- Champagne breakfast in bed for the first morning at the resort
- Airport meet and greet
- Welcome cocktail
- Arrival massage
The entire package, including accommodations, is priced at FJD$1K per couple. Information: www.navutustarsfiji.com NAVUTU STARS RESORT UNVEILS YOGA WORKSHOP RETREAT
Further to the successful Pilates retreat earlier this year, Navutu Stars Resort announces their Yoga Work Shop available to guests from the 31 October 2009 to the 7 November 2009, with California based Randy Allard. Navutu Stars Resort offers barefoot luxury in a hush-hush tropical paradise, with an emphasis on sound ecological values. The resort is an ecologically balanced island sanctuary of pristine white beaches, dramatic monoliths, crystal clear lagoons, and rich marine life. Relax in one of the nine spacious and immaculate bures combining traditional Fijian architecture with modern comfort and design under coconut palms. Information: www.navutustarsfiji.com THE NORTH
KORO SUN RESORT OFFERS ‘EVERY OTHER NIGHT FREE’ VACATION PACKAGE
Visitors who book accommodations at Koro Sun Resort are now entitled to one night free for every paid night that they stay at the resort. This offer includes three gourmet meals, all non-motorized water sport activities and roundtrip transfers to Savusavu airport. To take advantage of this rate, visitors must book by September 15, 2009 for travel between September 1, 2009 and October 31, 2009.
Information: www.korosunresort.com LOMALAGI ISLAND RESORT ANNOUNCES VISITORS CAN NOW SCUBA DIVE IN ADJACENT NATEWA BAY
Lomalagi Resort near Savusavu has announced that visitors can now scuba dive in nearby Natewa Bay, the largest deep-water bay in the South Pacific. Since the 600 square mile bay is over 1,000 meters deep in the center, the reefs and soft corals have been protected from deterioration. The bay is also less susceptible to rough weather than the open ocean because it is surrounded by rainforest covered mountains and is oriented in the Northeast. Natewa Bay is home to the only resident pods of dolphins in Fiji.
In cooperation with Savusavu independent dive operator, Rockin’ Down Under, a full range of PADI certified courses are now available, from “discover scuba” for beginners, to dive master.
Information: www.lomalagi.com MATANGI PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT FIJI ANNOUNCES RETAIL ACCREDITATION PROGRAM TO BOOST RETAIL AGENT KNOWLEDGE
Matangi Private Island Resort Fiji has just released its own unique ‘retail accreditation program’ to assist agents with answering all of the ‘need to know’ client questions about the resort. The new program has a simple and easy format that walks retail agents through the location and transportation questions, including facilities, services and activities available to hotel guests.
Agents who earn their accreditation before September 30, 2009, will be entered into a drawing to win five nights of accommodations and meals for two at Matangi Private Island Resort.
Information: www.matangiisland.com | 
