Kolkata, 15 February 2012 - Tourism Fiji along with its industry partners saw exceptional turnout at the tourism workshop that was held at the Oberoi Hotel in Kolkata, India today.
This is the first time ever Tourism Fiji has organised a workshop in Kolkata.
Pranav Kapadia of Tourism Fiji India remarked: “We expected approximately 40 trade partners, but a total of 56 agents registered for the event—an excellent turnout for our first visit to the city.”
Fijian Minister for Tourism Mr Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum gave the opening address at the workshop. While New Delhi and Mumbai are seen as the main markets for Fiji in India, Kolkata is an affluent city with significant potential for growth in travel to Fiji.
At the Kolkata workshop, the Fijian delegation was paid a surprise visit by Mr Eroni Duaibe who travelled seven hours by train to see his fellow countrymen and assist in the promotion of the destination.
Mr Duaibe, who is from the Royal Fiji Military Forces, is studying political science at the Ravenshaw University in the state of Orissa. He is on a three-year program that ends this April 2012.
During his time in India, he has only been able to return home twice, so upon hearing from friends in New Delhi that the Tourism Fiji roadshow was being held in Kolkata, he made the trip through the night to spend the day with the Fijian delegation.
Left - Right (Back) : Eroni Duaibe, Watson Seeto (Air Pacific), Adeline Erasito (Rosie Holidays), Thomas Valentine (Tourism Fiji), Hon. Minister, Alefiya Shamsher (Tour Managers India) Amey Acharya (Tanoa), Damend Gounder (Tour Managers), Pranav Kapadia (Tourism Fiji India rep) , Andrew Gee (Outrigger & Castaway)
Left - Right (Front) : Hiroshi Matsumoto (Mana), Karen Blenkiron (Tadrai), Josephine Smith-Moffat (Tourism Fiji board Member), Kajal Somaiya (Tourism Fiji India rep)