Matava @ OZtEK'09

OZtEK'09
Sydney Australia
March 2009

Diving in Fiji: OZtEK'09

Traveller Reviews - Peaceful and Relaxing - TripAdvisor

Matava is a tiny eco resort with room for only about 22 guests.

All guests eat together and we made some great friends this way. The staff are unique and funny. The location is so lovely, by the sea and very remote so it feels like a real adventure to actually be there.

Great snorkling and I wasn`t bored at all just soaking it all up.

Fill up on the real fijian experience!

Kadavu Island: Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort - Traveller Reviews - Peaceful and Relaxing - TripAdvisor

APS Kadavu, Fiji Trip (Apr/May 2009) - Jigging and Popping Forum

After our very successful trip recently, we are confident of organizing an equally successful trip for our customers. The season is ending shortly and we have 2 sets of date for those who wish to fish Kadavu with us.

5 days fishing with Capt Adrian Watt on the Bite Me, a 31' Sportsfisher on Kandavu Island.

This is a GT popping and Dogtooth Tuna jigging trip, it will be 3 anglers plus myself.

The following itinerary is based on departure from Los Angeles Airport, at present the airfare with Air Pacific is about $830.00 both ways, Los Angeles to Kadavu.

The 2 sets of dates are:

Itinerary No.1:

26 Apr - LAX ETD 2330hr - Nadi ETA 0530hr (+2 days) (Fiji is a day ahead of N.America)
28 Apr - KDV ETA 1325hr, transfer to lodge
29 Apr - Fishing
30 Apr - Fishing
1 May - Fishing
2 May - Fishing
3 May - Fishing
4 May - KDV ETD 1345hr - LAX ETA 1320hr (7.3hr Transit) (Same Day Arrival at LAX)

Itinerary No.2:

9 May - LAX ETD 2330hr - Nadi ETA 0530hr (+2 days) (Fiji is a day ahead of N.America)
11 May - KDV ETA 1325hr, transfer to lodge
12 May - Fishing
13 May - Fishing
14 May - Fishing
15 May - Fishing
16 May - Fishing
17 May - KDV ETD 1345hr - LAX ETA 1320hr (7.3hr Transit) (Same Day Arrival at LAX)

LAX - Los Angeles Int'l Airport
KDV - Kadavu Airport

The cost of this trip is US$1800 per angler. This includes all transfers, accomodation, meals and fees. Flights are not included. Tips - $100 per angler for the crew.

This is a very good opportunity to fish pristine waters, our last trip saw us fishing the eastern reefs and only a fraction of the reef was covered. The north western Great Astrolabe Lagoon is still untouch yet!!!!

With low airfares, the trip cost less than $2,700 for 5 days of all inclusive fishing!!!

For first timers who do not have gears for the trip, let us know and we can sort something out.

Interested please email me at randy@anglers-proshop.com NO PMs PLEASE, THANK YOU.

__________________
Randy
Administrator
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APS Kadavu, Fiji Trip (Apr/May 2009) - Jigging and Popping Forum

Sailing with fame

for Fiji. The industry has had an average annual growth rate of 8.2% in the past few years. Similarly Fiji has seen port calls sky-rocket by more than 100%.

"The Tui Tai cruise ship was mainly created to introduce more relaxing ways to see some of Fiji's beautiful coasts and bays with guides who will help you explore both the stunning landscape and reefs underwater or lead you on adventures through the rainforests to hidden waterfalls on dry land," says Morika, the founder of Tui Tai Cruises.

Cruising has become a major part of the tourism industry, with millions of passengers each year.

The cruise tourism industry is now one of the most dynamic and fastest growing components of the leisure industry.

The name Tui Tai existed even before Morika was born. She's been a part of the family. The number of crew on board is 18. They're made up of the captain and the deck crew who sail the ship, navigating her through the dangerous reefs and finding the most beautiful dive and snorkel spots to anchor. And there is the hospitality crew, diving instructors and onboard photographer.

The cruise ship owner reckons it is important to find the right personalities to fit each job.

Some people have a natural ability to make guests feel at ease in their surroundings and this is incredibly important on a cruise ship.

Morika stresses that it is imperative for guests to be comfortable and relaxed or the cruise ship has failed them. All her crew understand that this isn't far from just a floating hotel. They all know that the Tui Tai is as much about helping the local communities and bringing humanitarian assistance as it is giving guests a beautiful holiday.

The Tui Tai was built in 1980, making her almost 30 years old, but she looks nothing like the modern day cruiseliners. She was modelled on a traditional schooner more from the 1800s than the late 20th century making her a romantic sight as she sails into the bay.

Originally Morika had her fitted out with dormitories for the backpacker market but she's since been completely rebuilt to more comfortable standards to meet the demand. And in every way environmentally friendly materials are used when maintaining the ship plus the interior is full of beautifully designed Fijian art and craft.

Sailing with fame - Fiji Times Online

A Tribute to HG

Today was a sad day at Matava Resort. One of our longest serving staff members passed away. HG our security dog.

He saw this resort being built and has seen owners, staff and guests come and go. He protected this place with an iron bark that echoed throughout the island.

He never complained and could sit and listen so loyally. He took Pipi and Harley under his wing and taught them their roles as dogs at Matava resort.

The staff really do miss having him around, and we really miss our loyal coconut stealing friend.

PADI Project AWARE Award

Matava has been awarded the PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award 2008 for its policies on environmental sustainability

KADAVU

, FIJI ISLANDS - 5th Februuary 2008 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that it is an official 2008 recipient of The PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award.

Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking its part in protection of global ecosystems. "The Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit o

f conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations," states Richardson.

"Our awards recognise dive operators making a positive impact on local communities and the environment, as well as providing great dive holidays! The number of outstanding environmental programs taking place is inspiring," said Joanna McNamara, Project AWARE Coordinator.

After reviewing Matava's application, Project AWARE determined that our dive operation met all requirements set forth for Project AWARE's Environmental Achievement Award and shown exemplary efforts to conserve aquatic environments through education, advocacy and action. Therefore, Project AWARE was proud to name Matava an official 2008 recipient!

Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar says "The PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award gives us special environmental recognition and shows our customers that we are responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our business."

"After 6 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognized by our international scuba certification agency"

Mr Akhtar went on to say that "..after our recent major resort upgrade in early 2008, and the addition of our new high-tech solar power plant solution for the Main Bure, kitchen and The Terrace restaurant area, we believe we are the leader in eco-sustainable resorts in the country."

Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment."

Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, works in direct partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. To get involved in environmental activities and make a lasting difference visit www.projectaware.org

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands.

Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views

Mad Fish Dive Centre and Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters are our on-site diving and fishing specialists offering the best of both under and on the water activities.

www.Matava.com www.Scuba-Diving-Fiji.com www.GamefishingFiji.com

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Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort - PADI Project AWARE Award

Matava a finalist in Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards

Matava finalist in 2 categories for AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2008

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 10th February 2008 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort was proud to be nominated in 2 categories, and was chosen as a finalist in both categories in the AON Excellence in Tourism Awards.

Bite Me Gamefishing Charters was a finalist in the Adventure Tourism Award and Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort was a finalist in the Quality Accommodation Award.
The annual Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards night sponsored by AON was held at the Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island on 6th February 2009, and attended by Matava Director, Stuart Gow. Many local tourism operators and business people attended the evening presentations. This year there was over a thousand nominees in the 12 categories.

The Adventure Tourism Award was won by our friends at Adrenaline Watersportsand the Quality Accommodation Award was won by Matava's normal airport transfer hotel the ACCOR Group's Mercure Hotel in Nadi.

The annual Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards night sponsored by AON was held at the Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island on 6th February 2009, and attended by Matava Director, Stuart Gow. Many local tourism operators and business people attended the evening presentations. This year there was over a thousand nominees in the 12 categories.

The Adventure Tourism Award was won by our friends at Adrenaline Watersportsand the Quality Accommodation Award was won by Matava's normal airport transfer hotel the ACCOR Group's Mercure Hotel in Nadi.

"Although we missed out in winning this year's awards we are proud to have been nominated as finalists in both categories amongst such high calibre competition and collegues" said Mr Richard Akhtar, Matava's Managing Director.

Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Congratulations to both Adrenaline Watersports and Mercure Nadi in their achievements this year. The improvements made, and standards set by Mr Rhys Martin, General Manager Mercure, converted us to start using the hotel in the past year as our Nadi transfer hotel, so we feel this is an award well deserved by Rhys and his team. Well done!"

Captain Adrian Watt of Bite Me Gamefishing Charters congratulated Mr Ben Dogget, Director of Adrenaline South Pacific and operator of the excellent gamefishing boats MV Opulence, MV Synergy and MV Katchalot for their award.

"It is fantastic to see that gamefishing is getting recognized in Fiji for the excellence it provides in service to our clients. Gamefishing in Fiji has long been overlooked internationally with countries like Tonga and Vanuatu gaining a lot more press. At last Fiji is being recognised alongside these destinations as a world class fishery for tournament species like Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Wahoo and Dogtooth Tuna"

He concluded by showing the good natured competitive spirit between the two fishing charter companies "As the only 2 IGFA Weigh Stations in the Fiji Islands Bite Me Gamefishing Charters and Adrenaline represent the premium gamefishing experiences in the country. To be a finalist in an Adventure Tourism award category alongside Adrenaline was an honour, and we look forward to competing with them to see who can break the most fishing records in the coming year. We're standing at 24 Fiji national records on Bite Me, where are you now? Kapena, let the games begin!"

The AON Excellence in Tourism Awards are not only to recognize excellence, special effort and initiative but to act as an incentive for the local community of all races to enter the tourism industry and so the Land Owners in particular feel that they are real partners of Fiji's largest employer and major foreign exchange earner.

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views

Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters is our on-site IGFA game fishing specialists offering the best of superb record breaking blue water game fishing for tuna, wahoo, sailfish and marlin.

www.Matava.com www.Scuba-Diving-Fiji.com www.GamefishingFiji.com

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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Richard Akhtar
679 333 6222
Matava- Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort - Excellence in Tourism Awards

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

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 and 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

Scuba Diving Magazine - Top 100 Readers'' Choice Survey Healthiest Marine Environment

Scuba Diving Magazine - Top 100 Readers'' Choice Survey Healthiest Marine Environment

Healthiest Marine Environment

Pacific & Indian Ocean
1	Tahiti / French Polynesia	93.8
2	Fiji	89.5
3	Indonesia	88.5
4	Palau, Micronesia	77.8
5	Philippines	73.3
6	Great Barrier Reef, Australia	72.2
7	Maui, Hawaii	68.9
8	Cocos Island, Costa Rica	61.1
9	Big Island, Hawaii	57.1
10	Egyptian Red Sea

Scuba Diving Fiji