With US visitor arrivals for the first four months of the year showing a marked increase – up 10 per cent over the corresponding period in 2009 – Tourism Fiji has embarked on what is seen as an extremely timely 10-day road show designed to further boost numbers from this key market.
The national tourist office is targeting more than 900 travel agents in 12 cities in Pacific and mid-western regions of the US from 12-23 July with the support of Air Pacific, Continental Airlines and 16 of its Fiji industry colleagues.
These include Captain Cook Cruises, Malolo Island Resort and its sister property Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Mana Island Resort & Spa, Musket Cove Island Resort, Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort, Matangi Private Island Resort, Fiji Orchid, Sonaisali Island resort, South Sea Cruises/Awesome Adventures, Starwood Resorts Fiji, Treasure Island Resort, Tokoriki Island Resort, Toberua Island Fiji Resort and Vatulele Island Resort.
US wholesalers participating in the event included Pleasant Holidays, Islands in the Sun and Island Escapes by Goway.
Cities visited include Salt Lake City, Denver, Seattle, Bellevue, Scottsdale, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, Irvine, Beverley Hills and Woodland Hills.
Tourism Fiji Regional Director – The Americas, Ili Matatolu said this is a major undertaking for the national tourist office to train more than 900 travel agents and further expand the numbers of consultants participating in the national tourist office’s Fiji Matai specialist program.
“This road show is extremely timely given the strengthening economy, consumer confidence and discretionary spending by North Americans,” Ms Matatolu said.
“Majority of our visitors originate from the country’s Pacific and mid-west regions, and the travel agent community is such a critical part of the distribution platform.
“This event not only serves in keeping the US agents up to date with the latest developments taking place in Fiji, it is also intended to act as a catalyst for an increase in our Fiji Matai specialist agent numbers in this key market.”
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