Exceptional!

That was how the Minister for Tourism Faiyaz Siddiq Koya described the 3-day Fijian Tourism Expo 2015 at Sheraton Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island.

“Fiji – where happiness finds you” is not mere words for us. It is what we live and breathe.

“It is our togetherness, our solidarity and our ability to find similarities in our differences that has defied all odds and has enabled the emergence of the Fiji you see today.

“This year’s Fijian Tourism Expo has been exceptional from the fabulous opening ceremony, which underscored what Fijian Tourism epitomises, to the event-packed 3 days we have had.”

The Minister said that 14,320 appointments were facilitated in the past 72 hours between buyers and sellers.

“This is an extraordinary achievement,” he said.

“I am also pleased to also announce that our Fijian Crafted Village has received success with Fijian Crafted products have also established new market links with hotels.”

About $7,500 worth of orders have been already been placed with the crafters while Jack’s of Fiji has signed on 2 artisans for the supply of crafts is worth $6,000 a month.

“Furthermore, My Fiji Store, which undertakes online marketing, will promote Fijian potteries online, which is a first for our crafters.

“In the past 7 months, the tourism industry has experienced a surge of new investments mainly in properties around Nadi and other areas.”

Mr Koya said these were exciting times for Fiji’s tourism industry.

“The new developments will increase the overall room for inventory and the number properties that will cater for the diverse needs of our visitors.

“We need to strike a balance between development to improve living standards for our people and the sustainability of the resources are being used for that development.

“Our pristine environment, diverse marine life, beautiful clear waters and clean surroundings are our natural branding strength in Fiji and we all need to work together to ensure that our global image is never tarnished.”

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