Jan 21, 2009

Fiji’s Tourism industry has been largely unaffected by the recent flooding


20th of January 2009

PRESS RELEASE

Tourism Fiji in collaboration with key industry partners including the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association (FIHTA), Society of Fiji Travel Associates (SOFTA) and Air Pacific confirmed that the necessary infrastructure, facilities and equipment to operate Fiji’s Tourism industry has been largely unaffected by the recent flooding with only minor damage reported by member Hotels, Resorts, Transport, Transfer and Cruise Operators, and International and Domestic airlines.

The industry is unified in its efforts and working hard to reassure visitor’s considering travel to Fiji to take advantage of Fiji’s tropical climate, excellent deals and of course to enjoy Fiji’s biggest asset – it’s warm, friendly people.

Key strategies to lure visitors to our shores include wide ranging familiarization visits commencing early next week to key tourism areas by prominent Travel Wholesalers, Travel Agents and Trade Press to demonstrate first hand the experiences Fiji has to offer. This will be followed up by great value holiday deals initially in the key source markets of Australia and New Zealand driven by Tourism Fiji and its partners.

In a meeting with the Minister for Tourism on Monday, the Minister reinforced his support for the industry and assured stakeholders that Government will facilitate road upgrading and other necessary infrastructure works to key Tourism areas as a priority. Government recognizes the resilience of the Tourism industry, its ability to quickly facilitate economic recovery, and its widespread importance to the local community.

The private sector continues to invest heavily in the industry with new hotel developments coming on line this year and new routes being opened up by Air Pacific.

Fiji’s Tourism Industry offers a wide range of Holiday experiences for local and international tourists, and support to Fiji’s tourism industry is critical to generate important foreign exchange enabling assistance to areas that have sustained damage by flooding.

The Tourism industry acknowledges and thanks the support offered by Government and global industry partners and will continue to cooperate closely with key stakeholders to achieve targeted visitor arrivals. The industry also realizes the importance of working with the media and seeks their support in the recovery process.

For further information please contact:

Mr Josefa Tuamoto
Chief Executive Officer
Tourism Fiji
Phone: 6722433

Fiji’s Tourism industry has been largely unaffected by the recent flooding

Jan 8, 2009

Matava Resort - presented by Sea Fiji Travel

hen you first arrive at Matava it feels like you are stepping into a Fijian thatched village of 30 years ago surrounded by rich rain forested hills and panoramic views of the Great Astrolabe Reef. The architecture and construction of the buildings is traditional, but there are also many contemporary touches like solar power, glass louver windows, polished timber floors and four poster beds. You'll share this paradise on Kadavu with no more than 21 other guests.

adavu (Fiji's fourth largest island) lies a 3/4 hour flight south of Nadi, and has truly maintained it's identity and cultural values and resisted development. The majority of the population there resides in coastal villages and live subsistence lifestyles, sharing their jungle paradise with 27 species of birds and one species of reptile found nowhere else but Fiji (and 3 of those bird species are found only on Kadavu, and all 3 can be seen on Matava's grounds!). Cascading waterfalls flow into streams that wend down into mangrove forests fringing rocky shores. All this overlooks the stunning Great Astrolabe Reef, home to a myriad of marine life for divers and snorkelers.

fter being met at the airport you will be transported to the resort by boat inside the barrier reef. Upon arrival at Matava, you can hear the powerful waves breaking on the distant reef that will soothe you to sleep later that night. There are several

different categories of bure, including a Honeymoon bure, superior and standard Ocean View Bures and even a private bure with shared facilities. The Honeymoon and Ocean View bures boast panoramic views from their lofty positions on the hillside, looking out over Waya Island and the Great Astrolabe. Wake in the morning to a symphony of wild birds and breakers on the distant reef.

atava Resort is the result of the passion of Richard Akhtar, an Englishman Go eco logoand admitted dive addict. He was originally drawn to Kadavu back in 2002 by it's pristine and remote location, and the untouched diving of the Astrolabe Reef. He is a PADI Instructor who has also achieved the Project Aware Go Eco Status for Matava. Of course the resort is very eco friendly, with their own organic gardens and a sustainable environmental and business practices.

here is no shortage of adventures available at Matava. For sportsmen, light tackle (Pacific Sailfish, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi and Giant Trevally), or heavy tackle (Marlin, Mahi Mahi or Yellowfin Tuna) game fishing is expertly guided by Adrian aboard "Bite Me". There are also guided treks through the rain forest and along the sea to a nearby village and Kadavu Koro's tri-level waterfall, village stays, cultural events, superlative surfing, and kayaking. The 2-day Sea

Kayaking Trip and Village Stay offers world class guided kayaking along the edges of the Nacomoto Passage Marine Reserve using professional equipment combined with rain forest treks, isolated villages and remote beach picnics. Your local village guides are extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area and the indigenous plants and animals. The overall experience is one of cultural emersion and exploration.



Matava Resort - presented by Sea Fiji Travel