Travelscoop

Bula! (Greetings) and welcome to the Fiji Visitors Bureau's 'Matai News'. Included in this August 2008 issue are several Fiji news items, and a list of upcoming events in Fiji.

If there's adventure in your soul, Fiji is the place to indulge it. The Fiji Islands in the South Pacific are an archipelago of over 330 islands packed with attractions that can be found no where else and offers a unique experiential opportunity for the holidaying visitor.

Couple Returns to Treasure Island Resort 'Paradise' for the 81st time

Raymond and Judy Garratt of Auckland, New Zealand flew into Fiji on 8 August for their 81st holiday at Treasure Island Resort.

Graeme Back, General Manager for Treasure Island Resort says 'it is with pride and honour to welcome Mr & Mrs Garratt to our island resort and it is a true testimony to the dedication and commitment of our valued staff in ensuring that all of our visitors are well looked after."

The couple have been visiting the island resort for the past 33 years. According to the Garratts', thecombination of pristine waters and lovely beaches especially the Fijian hospitality and warmth at Treasure Island Resort is the major reason they cannot get enough of the resort. Treasure Island Resort hosted the couple to a nine day all expenses paid holiday.

Fiji 'Romance Road Show' Tentative for November 2007 - Urgent, Expression of Interest required!

The Fiji Visitors Bureau is seeking your Expression of Interest to attend our Romance Road Show tentatively planned for 19-23 November around New Zealand.

Note this event is still tentative until we round up all Expression of Interests on Wednesday 29 August. Your feedback is important for us to finalise this event.Areas to visit depending on your feedback to our expression of interest are:

November 19: Hamilton - Evening (6-8pm)
November 20: Auckland - Breakfast (7.30-8.30am)
November 21: Wellington - Evening (6-8pm)
November 22: Palmerston North - Breakfast (7.30-8.30am)
November 22: Christchurch - Evening (6-8pm)
November 23: Dunedin - Evening (6-8pm)

Denarau Island Welcomes Latest Addition

Denarau Island's latest gem is Port Denarau itself. Offering a new retail and commercial dimension to the island, the new Port Denarau commercial centre is an impressive mix of services and retail shopping.

The offer at this new 10,000 square metre complex include seven al fresco food experiences, each with views,rental car hire, internet facility, DVD hire store, massage and beauty treatment, handicraft, casual clothing retail outlets, bank, Post Shop, pharmacy amongst the services available.

The Centre's General Manager Scott Campbell is very excited about the complex's future, “It's just a great place to be and a real experience in itself." With a regular transport service operating from each ofthe island's world class resorts, the entire experience could not be more convenient, he adds.

Fiji Matai Educational Scheduled for November

The Fiji Visitors Bureau will hold a Matai educational to Fiji in November. Agents who are certified and officially part of the revised Matai programme will be given preferential consideration to go away on this trip. Travel dates are staggered between 12-17 November and 13-18 November respectively.

There is space for twenty (20) Matai agents only. Invites will follow before the end of August month and thiswill include all details including participation fee and draft itinerary details.

Fiji Resorts Happy with PAICE EXPO Turn-out

Thirteen Fiji suppliers joined the Fiji Visitors Bureau at the 'Fiji Village' during PAICE Expo held at Eden Park, Auckland on Tuesday 21 August. Feedback from majority of the Fiji participants showed a very productive day of meetings. PAICE Expo is targeted at Conference and Incentive groups travel where suppliers meet up with Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) for potential business opportunities.

According to James Sowane, Pacific Destinationz Fiji's Managing Director, there were strong 'leads' to follow up on from expo.The Conference and Incentive product in Fiji has a lot to offer New Zealand corporate companies and PAICE is always a good measuring stick on Fiji's interest levels, says FVB Regional Director Sala Toganivalu.

Fiji Conference and Incentive Evening in November

The Fiji Conference and Incentive evening originally planned for Monday 20 August has been deferred toTuesday 20 November. The new date suite majority of the PCO audience we would like to draw to thisevent, says FVB Regional Director, Sala Toganivalu.This C&I evening will take place at the Alinghi Base, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland and majority of the FijiPAICE Expo participants (13 in total) are expected back to round off the year on a high note.

Pacific Appoints Executive GM Commercial

Mark Siladi has been appointed Air Pacific's Executive GM Commercial as of 15 August 2007. Mark'sbackground includes 13 years in senior positions within various departments of Virgin Atlantic and VirginBlue amongst other appointments.

Upcoming Fiji Events

• Vatukoula Golf Open
  8-9 September 2007
• Fiji Seniors Golfers International Championship
  10-14 September 2007
• Pirates Day Beachcomber Race
  15 September 2007
• The Hobie Cat Challenge
  16 September 2007
• Savusavu Triathlon
  16 September 2007
• Gulf Harbour Fun Face & Sand Bank Day
  17 September 2007
• Round Malolo Race
  19 September 2007

Whether you seek Sport, Adventure, Romance, Relaxation, Cultural Immersion, Cruising the Sea, or the Ultimate Eco-Tourism escapade, you’ll find fulfilment in Fiji.