Australian couple Mathew Brickwood and Danielle Connelly described their arrival into the country as one of the best.

The couple, who reside in Blue Mountains, Sydney, were the first to make their grand entrance through the arrivals door after landing at the Nadi International Airport on the first international flight, Fiji Airways FJ914 on December 1.

They were greeted by live music and dances displayed by workers of Plantation Island Resort.

Mr Brickwood said: “That was the most amazing arrival we have ever had; we travel quite a lot, and that performance was just out of this world.

“Getting off the plane and walking through, everything was just absolutely fantastic.

“We are just so honoured and thrilled to be part of your country and to come and visit your homeland.”

The couple have booked into the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa for nine nights.

“We were looking for somewhere to go for the last three or four months and as soon as we heard Fiji was opening, we booked to come on the first flight to get here,” he said.

Ben Clark and wife

Another Sydney couple, Ben Clark, and wife Jo, who arrived with their children, Jack, 5 and Maya, 6, were all smiles upon arriving at the Nadi International Airport.

Mr Clark said he booked his family’s tickets on the very day Fiji made the announcement of opening its international borders.

“When Fiji announced it was opening its borders, I bought our tickets on the same day,” he said.

“I feel awesome and excited, it feels so good to be here.”

The family will spend their vacation on Vomo Island.

Feedback:  nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj