Introduction from CEO

Bula Vinaka and welcome to Tourism Fiji’s first edition of the ‘Meet me’ MICE enewsletter for 2009.

The uncertainty facing the global economy will be one of the main issues that we as a destination will have to contend with as we charter our way into 2009 and beyond. We as an industry have had our fair share of challenges BUT we have been able to resolve
these through team work, creativity, passion and commitment.

The conference and incentive market in Fiji has grown significantly over the past three years, mainly due to the opening of new properties on Destination Denarau and other areas and the increase of attention and funds towards pushing the conference and incentive market. In aligning our niche activities with the overall Fiji Tourism Development Plan 2007-2016, we have set ourselves up with measurable and achievable goals. The partnership between Tourism Fiji and the Conference and Incentive Advisory
Group (CIAG) continues to mould this promising niche in targeting our key source markets of Australia, New Zealand and North America.

Fiji has everything to offer, with a culture so spectacular and unique, offering gracious hospitality and a wealth of creative options for meeting planners and incentive winners. As we venture into a new year, we would like to welcome you to the Fiji Islands, the perfect destination – where meetings become experiences and incentive rewards become treasured memories.

Josefa Tuamoto
Chief Executive Officer

AIME 2009

Tourism Fiji will be exhibiting at stand#2207 at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings
Expo, from 17th – 18th February 2009 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Australia. The
co-exhibitors will be ATS Pacific, Rosie DMC, Pacific Destinationz, Tour Managers, Air Pacific,
Starwood Hotels/Westin, Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Plantation
Island Resort, Sonaisali Island Resort and Fiji Beach Resort & Spa managed by the Hilton. For
further information, please contact Tourism Fiji – Australia, Regional Marketing Officer, Louisa
Finiasi on [email protected]

OCEAN SWIMS

Ocean swimming in Fiji is very popular with regular group events held here that attract international swimmers of all levels traveling with their clubs. They are enticed by the chance to swim in bath warm water that is gin clear and filled with plethora of marine life.

Year the season kicks off on the 14th February at Mana Island with the TOHO Travel; Japan to Fiji tour. A tour that attracts swimmers from all levels in Japan to come and experience swimming the warm waters of Fiji. Local swimmers are encouraged to join in with the Japanese guests at
Mana in a range of open ocean swims conducted over various distances 0.5km, 1.5km and 3 km.

With the climate in Fiji and the obsession with sport in Fiji it is a great destination for a range of sport tours. Kiji Niurou from ATS Pacific has said that rugby tours tend to be the most popular but swimming, surfing, cricket and netball tours are also growing in popularity with participation
numbers on the rise. For more information please contact C&I groups manager, Sally Cooper on [email protected]

A different experience at Sonaisal Island Resort

Reckitt Benckiser recently booked out Sonaisali Island Resort for a four night, five day conference
and incentive stay, for 135 of their Management Team. Reckitt Benckiser generously donated AU$30,000 to the Korovotu Village to build a brand new kindergarten facility, which they opened during the first day of their conference. Each of the four nights of their stay had a different themed function in a differing part of the island – from a true Fijian Lovo Experience, International Beach Party, Traditional Indian Evening and the grand finale was a Barefoot Black Tie function on the pool bar nukuvula. The incentive portion of their stay involved jet skiing, spa treatments, all day cruises, snorkeling trips, fishing carters. Everyone had a wonderful time and the delegates were completely wowed by the differing experiences that Sonaisali was able to offer. For more information or reservations
please contact Sales & Marketing Manager, Karyn
Blenkiron on [email protected]

Fiji Luxury Resort with Enticing Dining Options

If you’re looking to take an exotic island vacation in Fiji, Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island provides
all things necessary to make your trip memorable and convenient. With the choice of five on-site dining options and 24-hour in-room dining services at this beachfront Fiji resort, you will find it hard to taste all that its restaurants have to offer. Whether you are on your honeymoon in Fiji, a family vacation or a business trip, the Radisson has something for you.

Lomani Wai – Dinner in the Water

This is Fiji’s first ever dinner in the water! Experience a sumptuous three-course set menu set completely “In the Water” in one of Radisson’s unique 5 swimming pools. Advance bookings are essential as spaces are limited to ensure an intimate evening under the stars. Reservations are required. For more information or reservations please contact
Director of Sales & Marketing, Matthew Hill on [email protected]

Less Bula , More Bon Giorn of or Sofitel Fiji in 2009

2009 and even 2010 are looking to be more strong years for Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, with the hotel set
to welcome its first Italian incentive groups. “Our Fijian staff are already busy practicing their bon
giornos,” says Director of conferencing sales Natalie Brumniach. “We will host six incentives in February and March next year and are looking forward to welcoming the Italians.”

In addition to its passionate Italians, Sofitel has also employed a passionate new Conference Manager Giovanna Iannuzzi, formerly of Eventful and Hayman Island, to build on the conference team and handle increased demand. “We have developed some new incentive programs along with theme concepts which have never been done in Fiji before; these have been selected by groups staring in the New Year,” says Natalie. “2009 is set to be an exciting time for Sofitel properties worldwide especially for the MICE or Business Tourism market. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you anymore than that…but stay tuned!

TOP THREE ‘MUST SEE' FOR FIJI
Unique experiences for an unforgettable experience in the Fiji Islands

Fiji is spoilt for choice when it comes to ways to pass lazy days. That’s why Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa conferencing sales specialist Natalie Brumniach is making it easy for clients, revealing her top three ‘must see’ Fiji experiences for visitors on business and pleasure. “No matter how long or short your stay, there are just three boxes visitors need to tick when planning their visit to Fiji,” says Natalie.
So what are Natalie’s ‘can’t miss’ experiences?

1 . Pristine sandy white beaches

According to Natalie a trip to Fiji is incomplete without a trip to one of the pristine white sandy beach islands ubiquitous in the waters of the nearby Mamanucas. “Sailing or motoring over aquamarine crystal clear, warm waters is something you’ll never forget. Most of our incentive groups choose to take over an island – after all it’s the ultimate dream to own your own island, even if it is for just one day!” 2 .

A vibrant village experience

“Every guest or group needs to visit a village see how Fijians live”, says Natalie. “It’s a rare chance to meet the adorable local children and even sit down on the grass mats to take part in a traditional kava ceremony (believe me the taste does grow on you, the tip is to not look or smell just drink).”

3. Mountain magic

Majestic mountains hover on the horizon, so Natalie’s last tip is to take a trek form the beach and your resort to explore the cool and cloudy ranges and orchid gardens. “Fiji’s mountains are beautiful but unfortunately are something most visitors fail to see. This is nature at its best and most untouched, where Pure Fiji water is bottled, and rafting river tours abound. The lush atmosphere is so refreshing it will take your breath away. Obviously all of this mountain magic is best coupled with a return at the end of the day to luxury accommodation and a visit to the spa.” For more information or to book, contact Natalie Brumniach Director Conference & Incentive, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Tel +61 7 5437 8195 Mob +61 409 997 671 or email at [email protected] Visit www.sofitelfiji.com.fj

SHANGRI - LA’S FIJIAN RESOR T AND SPA IS AWARDED HACCP CERTIFICATION

Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa, has become the first hotel in Fiji to be awarded Hazard
Analysis Critical Control Point certification (HACCP).This marks a major milestone for the Resort, which introduced the Shangri-La Food Safety Management System (SFSMS) seven years ago.

On confirming the certification to Resort management and staff, independent consultant, Malcolm Graham, commended the Resort for the excellent Food Safety Management System it has in place and highlighted a few best practices as being of higher standards than he has previously seen. Mr Graham said the Resort had one of the best preventive maintenance systems he had seen in quite some time. More than 65 per cent of HACCP compliance relates to preventive maintenance, which the Resort’s Engineering Department carries out. Mr Graham is from Australianbased Total Quality Certification Services Ltd (TQCSI).
The HACCP certification guarantees that all food production at the Resort is safe through a number of stringent measures covering the entire process from receiving to food service. “We are really proud of this achievement as it marks the end of a long journey and the work of so many people here
at the Resort. We have put a lot of effort toward this certification and will continue to strive to better our services and continuously improve our food safety management,” said Mr Damian O’Donnell, Resort Resident Manager. For more information, please contact Communications Manager, Lata Yaqona on [email protected]

Done Black and White ?

How about Simply Red Damudamu (Fijian for red). A schmoozy red cocktail lounge poolside, where guests can meet and schmooze before dinner with champagne and strawberries, a lone saxophonist plays Simply Red’s shimmering pop soul and elegantly heart worn balladry for all to enjoy, the setting beautifully lit with hues of red and gold, nearby
banquet tables set under the stars with white linen and a red table runners, the red flame tree flowers
grace the table, red satin covered chairs and striking fabric colours with gorgeous textures sets the standard for the evening, a night of elegance and sophistication, after a fabulous three course dinner a Jazz trio begins to play up-tempo tunes and guests dance the night away.

For more information contact Chris Green, Director Conference and Incentives; [email protected]

Flood Appeal

With the recent devastating floods unfortunately forced disruption and cancellations of group travel. With
many months of preparation Johnson and Johnson delegates planned to visit a local school and as a gift to the community spend a day renovating and upgrading classrooms, after having to cancel their Fiji conference due to the inclement (to say the least) weather, the company insisted on donating all
the materials and labour to complete the job, this incredible gesture would mean the school could open in time for the start of the school year as planned, despite the extensive water damage.

We applaud Johnson and Johnson and other corporate and individuals alike as without their generosity and tremendous support Fiji would certainly have struggled to recover, we still have some way to go to but the responses to the cries for help was truly remarkable.

Vinaka Vakalevu.
Rosie DMC

NEW PARTY BOAT

It was new. It was exciting. It was informative and very enjoyable. It was Fiji’s own glass bottom boat cruise and it was good enough to make the mermaids sing “OOlooloo!” and thus the cruise became known as the Oolooloo cruise even though the company was registered as Storck Cruises.

The Coral See is being refurbished into an exciting party boat for calm water evening sailing. The cruises will feature a range of dinner and party themes such as: a DJ hosted Rave on the Waves, complete with laser lights, and a Ganges Cruise featuring Indian cultural entertainment, food and costumes. In addition to general bookings The Coral Sea will be available for private parties and weddings.

The Party boat has been fully fitted with the latest Australian standard marine safety equipment as well as state of the art sound and lighting system. The Coral Sea will be launched in February. For more information please contact C&I groups manager, Sally Cooper on [email protected]