Mr Ricketts - Opening of the 2008 Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange
Jun 5, 2008, 16:31

MR TOM R RICKETTS
MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY, TOURISM, TRADE
AND COMMUNICATIONS

OPENING OF THE 2008 BULA FIJI TOURISM EXCHANGE
Warwick Resort & Spa Wednesday, 4th June, 2008
6.30pm



Invited Guests,
Distinguished travel agents and wholesalers,
Ladies & Gentlemen,

Bula Vinaka to all of you

1.0 First and foremost, let me extend a very warm welcome to you all to the South Pacific’s premier tourist destination - Fiji! I know that many of you have traveled from quite a distance and I’d like to acknowledge your support and enthusiasm in participating in the largest, most extensive tourism exchange we have ever had.

2.0 I am delighted to join you here tonight at the 2008 Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange otherwise known as BFTE. It is good to be around industry partners and competitors, and to learn about the latest trends and products - this is the secret to progress in the tourism industry.

3.0 Over the past ten years, the Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange has gained a formidable reputation as the largest trade show in the South Pacific. From its humble beginnings this event continues to attract tourism organizations and operators from throughout the region with a majority still from within Fiji. Today, coupled with international wholesalers, we have in excess of 600 delegates. This event gives Fiji and the Pacific Region an opportunity to market its products.

4.0 The BFTE brings together the regional tourist operators and the wholesalers from different parts of the world. We hope that apart from renewing old relationships new ones will be made and that the end result will be a growth in new business opportunities for both parties.

5.0 As Minister of Tourism I would like to remind us all of our goals for the tourism industry. We want to grow tourism to benefit our people. Our aim is to exceed the expectation of our visitors. We want to establish Fiji as a unique destination and ensure that the industry is seen as a benefit to all by embracing social and cultural traditions and practices while minimizing the impact on our ecology. We want to progress but not at the cost of damage to the environment.

6.0 Despite the recent unprecedented challenges posed by health and security threats, Fiji tourism’s recovery is due in no small measure to the perseverance and versatility of our tourism sector. Behind each colourful exhibition booth you will visit and each destination brand name there are committed men and women who have weathered many storms and work hard to ensure the continued growth of our tourism industry. I personally thank all of you for your faith and confidence in Fiji.

7.0 The challenges faced by our industry are enormous. The World Tourism Organisation has given us three pointers. First are the accelerating changes in traveling patterns. With the insecurity of travel, be it perceived or real, there is no doubt that the future of tourism lies in intra-regional travel with a growing preference for short break vacations close to one's home. According to the WTO, about 80% of the international tourist arrivals were short-haul regional holidays. We must work together to capitalize on this increasing trend.

8.0 Secondly, success must be built on the strengthened partnership between private and public sectors. Our very effective tourism revival campaign after the events of 2006 would not have been possible without the very close public and private co-operation that the crisis engendered.

9.0 Thirdly, WTO reminds us that competition is the key driving force of change. One key development is the use of information technology which has brought ever closer the distance between travellers and a destination. Travellers can enjoy just over the internet a full array of tourism products and prices. The competition among destinations is intensified and has become globalised. I am sure you will feel the heat of competition as you walk round the exhibition hall. We understand that we cannot rest on our laurels so Fiji is continuing to invest in our product offering and service quality.

10.0 As you all know Fiji offers a high standard of service and professionalism for many activities. Diving is one that I mention (mainly because I was a guest at the Diver’s closing Dinner last Saturday night) and we expect this industry to grow tremendously over the next few years as we have natural under water beauty. As well as this we have a wide range of dive sites and our location is easily accessible to Pacific Rim countries. One of the newer products that we have on the market has been developed in Wainadoi which is not far from here. It is known as a canopy tour and is an adventure sport. Quite simply it is zipping from one tree top to another. This idea originated in South America where I believe it is popular. For those of you who might be a bit worried there are many safety features and the environment is hardly disturbed. I mention this particular product mainly to point out how diversified the tourist industry is in Fiji and to also point out that our travel operators are not afraid to try something new.

11.0 The biggest and most important asset that we have in Fiji is our people. We are known for our friendliness and for our natural smiles. I would like to quote parts of a letter which was in yesterday’s Fiji Times which I think sums us up :

“This is our third trip to Fiji and we have never heard anyone whine. The Fijian people are the warmest and friendliest we have ever met. Life is not easy for most but there is always a big smile and a loud Bula. Instead of making negative comments Mr X should look at the beauty of Fiji and its people. This is what draws us here year after year”.

12.0 I would like to congratulate the Chairman, David Voss and his Planning Committee of the 2008 BFTE for another job very well done. Congratulations to the exhibitors. I wish the 2008 Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange a great success and all of you a fruitful and enjoyable stay in Fiji.

Vinaka Vakalevu.


Thank you.