After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, May 11-13, 2022 will see the annual Fiji showcase in paradise that is the Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE) make a spirited return, and with a shout out to the world that the 333 island nation is once again “Open for Happiness.”
The landmark face-to-face event is being held over two days at the newly renovated Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort on Denarau Island and will say a hearty Bula to welcome 83 exhibiting companies, 83 international travel and tourism buyers and media from Australia (including Karryon), New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
The Expo begins on Wednesday 11 May with an opening night spectacle featuring local talents the Nawaka Dance Group who will perform and welcome delegates ahead of speeches and formalities from Tourism Fiji’s Chairman, Andre Viljoen, the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Hon. Faiyaz Siddiq Koya and chief guest, the President of Fiji His Excellency Ratu Williame Maivalili Katonivere.
Thursday 12th May will see the Expo get underway and the show floor spring into action with countless meetings and reunions to take place over both Thursday and Friday days while a full Media Program will run in tandem, highlighting the latest insights and updates from Fiji.
In what is also a nice touch to help guide the future of media in the Pacific, 10 final year student journalists from the University of the South Pacific (USP) Journalism School in Suva will also attend the Media Program on Thursday 12 May, along with two teaching assistants.
Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill, “The Fijian Tourism Expo is the first face-to-face event we’ve hosted in over 2 years and it’s such a crucial one too. Some of our local industry don’t have the budget to travel globally to attend international roadshows and meet international buyers, hence why we bring the trade to Fiji and to our industry.”
After reopening its border to travel from Australia on 1 December 2021, Fiji has since become a short-haul destination success story for Australians thanks largely to high demand and arrival numbers and Fiji’s successfully managing and phasing down health restrictions and testing protocols across the island nation.
“This year’s event is another step forward on our journey to tourism recovery in Fiji as it provides a platform for sellers and buyers to meet directly and conduct business in real-time. We are excited about the event and optimistic about the positive impact it will have on building Fiji’s tourism industry back up again,” said Mr Hill.
FTE 2022 will wrap on Friday 13th May with a closing night event at the Koro Lawn at Hilton Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island.
What are the current travel restrictions to Fiji?
Fij has also recently relaxed its arrival testing restrictions even further, with only the following now required to enter Fiji.
- Show proof of your vaccination status for anyone over 16 and valid travel insurance at Airport check-in prior to leaving Australia
- Pre-book a supervised ‘Entry RAT Test’ online before you leave, to be conducted within 72 hours of your arrival in Fiji. This can be done at your hotel or resort or at one of Fijis’ many providers at a cost of FJ$38 (AUD$25) per test. You’ll need to show confirmation of this at Airport check-in prior to leaving Australia.
For the latest updates, head to www.fiji.travel