Paul Wang, 62, was one of the 260 Taiwanese who grabbed the opportunity to travel to Fiji in the first direct Taipei-Nadi charter flight.

He was accompanied by his wife and daughter on the 11-hour historic flight on board the Fiji Airways Airbus A330-300 which arrived in Nadi yesterday morning.

Mr Wang said he will spend four nights in Fiji celebrating the Chinese New Year  before flying out.

“I managed to know about Fiji via the website and felt it is a small island but now I know it is bigger then what I initially thought,” he said.

Mr Wang has spent over 30 years in his business and wishes to have a great taste of what Fiji has to offer.

“We are here to take in all the good thing about Fiji as in sightseeing, visit the Coral Coast, island hopping and be on the local tour,” he said.

Overwhelming reception

Another visitor, Shao- Kang Teng, 30, who arrived with his girlfriend, Fu-Yu Lin, was overwhelmed with the reception.

“The flight was straight and was very convenient and we did learn about the flight through the Taiwan Embassy,” he said.

Mr Teng is an accountant by profession while Ms Lin is a high school teacher.

“We heard a lot about Fiji too on TV and of course we know FIJI Water,” he added.

They say they will be looking forward to spa treatment, Sigatoka River Safari, surfing and scuba diving.

The group admired and took photographs with the Miss World Fiji 2015 Brittany Hazelman at the arrival lounge.

Marketing Fiji

The Taiwan-Fiji flight was chartered by Taipei-based tour company, Ez Travel.

EZ Travel representative, Jason Lai, said it is hard for Taiwanese people to travel to Fiji since transit is involved with no direct flight.

But, he said with the direct chartered flight, it was easier to promote Fiji back home to draw them to Fiji to enjoy the Fijian hospitality.

He added that usually the overseas tour is expansive but they were willing to come to Fiji to spend more money in leisure, travelling and recreational staffs.

“As you know we are in the Chinese New Year and people are willing to spend more money during this time,” Mr Lai said.

EDITED BY: RACHNA LAL

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