“It’s time to go, love.” Instead of being marched by a bouncer to tell you that your time is up, Fiji Tourism Expo (FTE) got the whole band to see you out. And it was incredible.
That’s right, as part of the closing ceremony of the Tourism Fiji’s epic 2019 event, delegates from 17 countries were paraded into the new Pullman Nadi Bay Resort by a 25-piece Fijian marching band.
It’s the type of fanfare we’re hoping follows us everywhere – office, train station, Coles – we’re ready.
Before shedding a tear that FTE is over (rumours are that 2020 is likely a go – yay), we took the opportunity to get the event low down from some of our Australian friends.
“You can’t get that anywhere else”
Mark Ferszt – Bartercard, Kristyn Williams – Luxury Escapes, Susanne Nuttall – Flight Centre & Michael Goddard – Expedia.
Susanne Nuttall, Flight Centre’s Denarau and Fiji Islands Product Manager, loves the connectivity of FTE and chance for news updates. Like the hotel renovations across Fiji, including Plantation Island and Treasure Island, plus the Sofitel’s Waitui Beach Club opening.
When asked about the highlight of being in Fiji this time, Susanne commented: “It sounds cheesy and in line with the Tourism Fiji ‘where happiness finds you’ campaign but when I’m here, I remember why people love to come to Fiji. What the Fijians do for you – going over and above – and their passion for life, you can’t get that anywhere else.”
“See the real Fiji”
Jen Price – Fusion Holidays, Glenn Checkley – TravelOnline & Lainie Dunne – Fusion Holidays.
Glenn Checkley, MD for TravelOnline felt that at this FTE, exhibitors represented more once-in-a-lifetime experiences that extend beyond the resorts.
“People need to go and see the real Fiji. The development of cool activities like swimming with the manta rays, new sailing products, and tours that take you to untouched Fiji are long overdue,” he said.
“A great story to tell”
Timothy Chen and Robert Lai – My Overseas Wedding.
According to Tim Chen, MD for My Overseas Wedding, Fijian’s are ready, willing, and able to give couples their dream wedding.
Tim was impressed with the life and work philosophy of the exhibitors, commenting: “Every Fijian has a great story to tell.”
A highlight of Tim’s stay was his visit to Kokomo Island Resort.
“I’ve travelled the world and met people that can serve guests well, but no-one does service like a Fijian. Until this trip, I didn’t realise how content Fijians really are. You see genuine happiness in Fiji, a lot more than anywhere else in the world.”
“Grow your business”
Jot Lynas – Unleashed Travel.
It’s not all about the adults. Unleashed Travel specialises in taking 17- and 18-year old graduates to the islands. MD Jot Lynas blocks out his calendar for FTE every year for the chance to reconnect with suppliers, partners, and industry friends. He encouraged new ventures to Fiji, stating: It’s a great place to grow your business.”
For Jot, the Sofitel’s opening ceremony was a winner, and he is a fan of the new Pullman Hotel development, shown in all its glory at the FTE closing ceremony.
“Return home a Bulanaire”
Bridget Christie – Ignite, Matthew Stoeckel & David McMahon – Tourism Fiji.
Tourism Fiji’s CEO Matthew Stoeckel praised the event, saying: “Tourism Fiji received fantastic feedback from international buyers and industry partners about this year’s expo with very productive meetings and lively events. We’re confident that all our international buyers will return home as Bulanaires, convinced that Fiji is truly the place where happiness finds you.”
A Bulanaire, for the uninitiated, is a person that is rich in happiness. While a million bucks is great, after spending time with our Fijian tourism friends at FTE, we feel like we’ve won the lotto on the happiness front.
- READ: 5 changes to the South Pacific incl. new planes & a cultural centre
- READ: First pics of the industry soaking up that Bula Spirit
- READ: Nanuku Auberge Resort expands with 13 new luxury villas