Tourism Fiji wraps up spring series in Canada

Travel trade partners were given a glimpse into paradise on a rainy April evening in Toronto, the last stop for the Bula Marau Fiji Spring 2015 Roadshow, Fiji’s annual Canadian series that also included stops in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary.

Suppliers and wholesalers enticed agents with an intimate tradeshow of impressive properties and tour opportunities that was followed by a presentation over dinner, whereby Sera Cawanibuka, senior regional marketing analyst for Tourism Fiji, likened the destination of 333 islands to a Hawaii of the past; a place where travellers can escape to find luxury and adventure in an authentic, virtually untouched island setting.

“Fiji continues to evolve every year,” Cawanibuka told PAX. “The range of experiences [is always growing], from land tours to cultural tours and other value-adding services. It’s an attractive place to visit.”

As presenters each took the stage to showcase their properties, services and agent incentives, there was a recurring emphasis on Fiji as a place of unflagging hospitality with high standards for both indulgence and recreation, from mainland activities that go beyond the beach (such as golf, cooking classes and yacht charters), to its reputation for diving, snorkelling and non-motorized water activities (all of which are always complimentary).

“The key takeaway of tonight is to keep Fiji at the forefront in the minds of agents who have clients looking to plan their next vacation,” Cawanibuka said, going on to explain that Fiji’s shoulder season (May-June) – which tends to mean lower prices – makes it an appealing option for destination weddings, and that Canada’s purchasing power in Fiji means a bigger bang for the traveller’s buck in the long run.

Presentations for Bula Marau Series included wholesale tour operators Goway Travel and Boomerang Tours, as well as representatives from Ahura Resorts, Tropica Island Resort, World Resorts of Distinction, and Vomo Island Resort. Although the common theme of the evening was Fiji’s richness of accommodation, cuisine, culture and service, the properties on offer were of an impressive variety with regards to price range and targeted markets, painting Fiji as a place that welcomes couples as well as families, with all manner of budgets in mind.

Despite its faraway locale, Cawanibuka maintained that Fiji Airways’ regular service to and from LAX brings Fiji all that much closer to the Canadian market. “Fiji is a long-haul destination for some Canadians,” Cawanibuka said, “but it’s certainly accessible.”

The evening concluded with a number of giveaways including a three-night stay at Tropica Island Resort, as well as the announcement of an incentive for all agents who attended one of the four Bula Marau Series events this 2015: starting Monday, April 13, the agent who sells the most bookings to Fiji will win a six-night stay for two in Fiji, with air travel provided by Fiji Airways. To win the 45-day incentive, agents must first register to become Fiji specialists and complete the curriculum on the Fiji Matai Programme on Tourism Fiji’s website.

For more information about Fiji, visit: www.fiji.travel

To register to become a Fiji Specialist, visit: www.matai.fiji.travel

PHOTO: Luke Jones, business development manager, World Resorts of Distinction; Sam Cottar, business development manager, Eastern Canada, Goway Travel; Karen Marvell, director of sales & marketing, Vomo Island Resort; Heidi Lord, business development manager, Travelbrands; Gai Keniry, director of sales, Tropical Island Resort; Kirstin Campbell, sales manager, Ahura Resorts; Sera Cawanibuka, senior regional marketing analyst, Tourism Fiji; Bronwyn Hodge, general manager, islands at Goway Travel