Near record arrivals from New Zealand into Fiji have been mirrored by high attendances at the Tourism Fiji roadshow around the country earlier this month. The series kicked off in Wellington, with close to 50 agents then moved on to Christchurch (65), Hamilton (50) and Auckland (140).

Tourism Fiji reports that in July this year New Zealand made up 28% of arrivals into the country, hitting a figure of 25,980 – the second biggest month for Kiwi arrivals recorded.

• Shristi Mala, Hilton Fiji; Gina... Shristi Mala, Hilton Fiji; Gina...
• Michelle Kauffman-Walker and Sonja Dalley,... Michelle Kauffman-Walker and Sonja Dalley,...
• Kerry Tunnicliffe, Debbie Natoli, Susan... Kerry Tunnicliffe, Debbie Natoli, Susan...
• Sarah Rodgers, FC Independent; Brittany... Sarah Rodgers, FC Independent; Brittany...
• Esava Lagilagi, Tom Svensen, Merconi... Esava Lagilagi, Tom Svensen, Merconi...
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Thirty Silver Matai Agents visited Fiji this week, gaining first-hand knowledge and experience so they can sell the destisnation to their clients.

There were three groups, each exploring different regions of Fiji before joining another 10 Matai Silver agents for two nights at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa and a day of learning with 25 of Tourism Fiji’s industry partners.

Tourism Fiji and partners have been on a four-city road show this week which saw around 250 travel agents keen to be updated on Fiji product.

• Bridget Fogarty and Maria Stephens,... Bridget Fogarty and Maria Stephens,...
• Nicola Preston, YOU Travel Mairangi... Nicola Preston, YOU Travel Mairangi...
• Sonya Lawson, Tourism Fiji; Anita... Sonya Lawson, Tourism Fiji; Anita...
• Kamani Pillay, Sincere Wong, Henal... Kamani Pillay, Sincere Wong, Henal...
• Ben Johnson of Outrigger and... Ben Johnson of Outrigger and...
• Wendy Merito, World Travellers; Sonya... Wendy Merito, World Travellers; Sonya...
• Ellie van der Leij, Jaimee... Ellie van der Leij, Jaimee...
• Jade Austin, Orbit Christchurch; Sheryn... Jade Austin, Orbit Christchurch; Sheryn...
• Lisa Costello, Raffe Hotels; Jana... Lisa Costello, Raffe Hotels; Jana...
• At the Auckland business events... At the Auckland business events...
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The demand from clients to travel to Fiji, even for this year, has come through ‘loud and clear’ during the four-city Fiji Travel Roadshow this week, says Tourism Fiji’s regional director New Zealand, Sonya Lawson.

The roadshow has attracted a total of about 250 agents at events in Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland. Lawson notes that agents came from far and wide – for example, the Christchurch event attracted trade from as far away as Invercargill and the Hamilton function included attendees from Coromandel and Tauranga.

Tourism Fij’s Fiji Roadshow will return to New Zealand in September 2022, visiting four cities.

The NTO is calling on travel sellers to save the date of the event closest to them. The roadshow will give the trade the chance to reconnect with some of Fiji’s leading tour operators and travel partners.

Ensuring that the range of experiences and products grow in line with expected demand is a key priority for Tourism Fiji, says chief executive officer Brent Hill.

Well known hotels around Denarau and the Coral Coast are already showing a sharp revival since Fiji reopened late last year.

Tourism Fiji has launched its new and reworked Matai 2.0 online agent training programme for travel agents across the globe.

The Matai relaunch is a way for agents to reacquaint themselves with the destination following the reopening of Fiji’s international borders.

Demand for a Fiji holiday has seen 66% of all international outbound flights from Australia in October being booked directly to the destination and accounting for 29% of all flights being made, second only to domestic travel.

Hotels and resorts are seeing significant bookings for multi-generation families. Many resorts are booking out, and according to one of Australia’s largest online travel agencies, 39% of all bookings made to Fiji have been made for December and 29% for January, with 2022 quickly filling as well, which is a real boost for the tourism industry after two years of virtually no tourism.

Fiji will open to international travellers on 1 December. Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said in statement on Sunday that Fiji is ready to welcome travellers back to its shores.

‘We are entirely confident in our ability to manage the risk associated with quarantine-free travel. Our planes are prepared. Our airports are adapted.’

The official announcement came as Fiji reached its goal to get 80% of its eligible population fully vaccinated.

Tourism Fiji is advising the New Zealand trade that key resorts and hotels will be ready for their clients when they return, with many having refurbished, renovated and even added to their offerings while international visitors have been away.

The Sheraton Fiji Resort has renovated its guests’ rooms and revitalised the lobby space. The resort has three new dining experiences designed by CHADA; Tatavi Grill & Bar Restaurant, Island 619 and 28g (Grams). Additionally, the meeting spaces have been given a new look.