Yesterday, Tourism Fiji hosted its first virtual Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE) to share key travel messages and future plans with Australia and New Zealand markets.
Traditionally, the Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE) is an annual event that brings international buyers and sellers from all markets together.
However, with international border closures still in place, staging a physical event was impossible for 2020, so Tourism Fiji decided to go ahead with the event online, with virtual appointments and presentations.
“FTE is such an important event for Fiji’s tourism industry, it always has been. While we would have loved everyone to experience the Fijian tourism hospitality first-hand, I’m thrilled the event was able to go ahead, be it virtually.”
Honourable Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport
Virtual FTE
This year’s virtual FTE was exclusively available for Australia and New Zealand markets, with 34 buyers from Australia and 14 buyers from New Zealand.
During the conference Hon. Faiyaz Koya spoke directly to the Australian and New Zealand buyers. “At the FTE last year, we had close to 160 international buyers from across the world, 14 international media, with more than 300 exhibitors. At this Expo, we’re taking a more focused approach with our traditional source markets Australia and New Zealand. Whilst the number of buyers and sellers are small, I’m confident that our efforts remain unwavered.”
“We see this event as a very important part of our journey to economic recovery, and we thank all of you for being part of it, and maintaining your confidence in Fiji.”
Almost 80 suppliers attended the conference, including Barefoot Collection, Kokomo, Six Senses, Royal Davui, Marriott Momi Bay, Musket Cove, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Plantation Island, Accor Hotels, Captain Cook Cruises, Castaway, Fiji Airways, Go Dirty Tours, Rosie Holidays, and more.
Delegates received updates on how Fiji’s tourism industry “Is Ready” for borders to be reopened, with presentations from Tourism Fiji on the destination’s Care Fiji Commitment, which is a nation-wide programme to align the industry with Fiji Government’s COVID-safe Guidelines.
“As the world prepares to open its borders, and awaits a vaccine that’s on the horizon, we are hopeful our “Bula Spirit” will rub on you, and you take our message back home.”
Honourable Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport
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