Recommend December 2012 - (Page 33)

The secluded property lies within lush gardens with panoramic views of sea and mountains. It is one of the most romantic spots in Southeast Asia and ideal for honeymoons. fiji Perhaps no South Paciﬁc destination in 2012 underwent such drastic changes as Fiji, the magniﬁcent island nation that is outshining others in popularity. Tourism authorities expected a surge in visitors, but they never expected it to be so dramatic. According to Dixon Seeto, president of the Fiji Hoteliers Association, 2012 was “a record year that brought 675,000 visitors, despite the hiccup resulting from the January ﬂoods that devastated parts of Fiji.” Seeto says all indications point to Fiji having an even more successful 2013. The 2012 changes are everywhere: From the opening of new resorts, to the rebranding of Air Paciﬁc to its original name, Fiji Airways (ﬁjiairways.com); from restructuring its tourism board, to changing its “Fiji Me” slogan with a new one. Fiji Airways will start service from the U.S. west coast with the new aircraft in June. According to Dave Pﬂieger, Fiji Airways’ managing director and CEO, “The unveiling of the new look and features of our soon-to-arrive A330s is the latest milestone in a series of initiatives that are part of [our] restructuring and rebranding.” Adds Elizabeth Powell, permanent secretary, Ministry of Public Enterprises and Tourism: “We will also be rebranding our country by no longer using ‘Fiji Me’ and replacing it with a new slogan, ‘Fiji—Where Happiness Finds You,’ as a result of an extensive destination marketing audit completed in late-2011.” Powell adds that a new website designed exclusively for travel agents will be unveiled. Ili Matatolu, regional director of the Americas for Tourism Fiji (ﬁjime.com), says plans for an app for travel agents is being developed, as well. According to Matatolu, the increase of visitors to Fiji is a direct result of steps Tourism Fiji “undertook at major trade and consumer marketing programs targeting increased visitor arrivals and length of stay. A particular focus is on California and the priority segments include luxury, weddings and honeymoons, incentive, scuba diving, surﬁng and the adventure market in general.” She adds that U.S. visitors increased by a dramatic 6 percent as of July of this year when compared to 2011. In addition to the multiple changes taking place in the tourism segment, a series of resorts are putting Fiji in the luxury market. Tadrai Island Resort (tadrai.com) opened this year to rave reviews. It’s an exquisite, adults-only, all-inclusive tropical paradise on Mana Island, about 15 miles from Viti Levu, Fiji’s principal island. Tadrai is sumptuousness personiﬁed. Its eight palm-thatched villas amid a palm-fringed cove give new meaning to relaxation, seclusion and luxury. Free helicopter transport is available during certain times. Other resorts broke ground in 2012, each is raising the bar and making Fiji stand out among the South Paciﬁc’s most desirable destinations. ● 2016613-20 888 469 2944 · www.goway.com december 2012 33 DOWNUNDER √ √ √ √ √ √ Our own office in Sydney Earn up to 15% commission Over 42 Years Experience Excellent reputation Members of USTOA Best Airfares ® Australia . New Zealand . South Pacific √ Quality Staff who have lived and/ or traveled extensively in Australia/NZ √ We offer a variety of travel ideas √ Price Guarantee √ We really care http://www.fijime.com http://www.fijiairways.com http://www.tadrai.com http://www.goway.com http://www.goway.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend December 2012

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Indie Boutique Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: Apple Vacations
16th Annual Recommend Readers' Choice Awards Winners
Cruising 2012
North American Splendor
Tantalizing Tallahassee
New Beginnings
Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
For Asia and the South Pacific, 2012 was a Vintage Year
Europe Always Astounds
Six 2012 Trends That are Here to Stay
Africa Rising
Checking-in to Latin America

Recommend December 2012