Fiji Makes An Impression On North American Travelers And Trade

“Fiji’s appeal in the West Coast market of the U.S. and Canada continues to grow,” says Ruth Daly, Regional Director for Tourism Fiji in North America. “We are seeing a record number of North American visitors to our destination, at a time when competition from other destinations has never been more challenging. This is a testament that Fiji’s product and experiences really resonate with the North American market, and Tourism Fiji will continue to build its presence in the market to capitalize on this demand,” concluded Daly.
To ensure maximum consumer awareness in the key state of California, Tourism Fiji participated in the popular “Travel and Adventure” shows in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, putting Fiji in front of over 50,000 travel consumers looking for inspiration. Fiji’s widely popular “Bula Boys” from the Suva Conservatory of Music and virtual reality experiences showcasing the islands helped Tourism Fiji take home the “Best in Show” award for best booth in Los Angeles and Bay Area events.
In Los Angeles, Fiji was prominently featured in Los Angeles’ highest-rated morning television show, the KTLA Morning News, where Tourism Fiji’s Ruth Daly and the Bula Boys demonstrated Fijian culture for viewing audiences.
In addition to the consumer events, a series of Travel Trade roadshows provided Tourism Fiji and participating Fiji partners with access to over 250 retail travel agents and wholesale partners in both the US and Canada. Training events were co-hosted by some of Fiji’s top travel industry partners – including Travel2, Goway, All About, DownUnderAnswers, and Pleasant Holidays  – and empathized the ease of traveling to Fiji, the range of experiences available in the islands and the “transformational” effects that Fiji’s Happiness has on visitors.
In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Tourism Fiji, Fiji Airways and participating destination partners also hosted 25 local media for a reception in partnership with the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC).
Destination partners included Ahura Resorts (Likuliku Lagoon Resort and Malolo Island Resort); Blue Lagoon Cruises; Fiji Airways; Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Resort; Lomani Island Resort; Musket Cove Resort & Marina; The Pearl South Pacific; Toberua Island Resort; and Tokoriki Island Resort.
ABOUT TOURISM FIJI: Tourism Fiji functions as the Fijian government’s marketing agency responsible for promoting travel to Fiji, in order to maximize the number of visitors to the destination. Tourism Fiji has established a presence in eight key markets around the globe and its activities include advertising, public relations, media programs, trade shows and programs for the tourism industry, and consumer promotions to better showcase Fiji – where happiness finds you! Please visit www.fiji.travel for more information.
Tourism Fiji: Instagram @TourismFiji, Facebook @Fiji, Twitter @TourismFiji, YouTube @FijiTourism
 
(Source: Tourism Fiji News March 2017)