Fiji’s traditional tourism trend marks a shift next month.

This as four weekly flights from Auckland to Fiji commence from March 14, when New Zealanders would be allowed to travel to Fiji, quarantine-free.

The weekly flights from Auckand to Fiji would be serviced by national airline, Fiji Airways.

In April, Fiji Airways expects to resume daily flights between the two destinations.

Tourism Fiji chief executive officer, Brent Hill, said: “Our aim is to help fill those planes, and get Kiwis here.”

“There are many from Aotearoa that are working from home, retired, or able to easily self-isolate.”

“It is that market we will target first, and those who have family and friends in Fiji.”

Quieter Months
February and March are traditionally quieter months for Fiji’s tourism arrival.

However, Tourism Fiji reported a 40 per cent solid booking for the period, Mr Hill said.

“We want to keep promoting and pushing Fiji, he said.

“More bookings are coming for the high season.

Fiji Airways
Fiji Airways said: “We plan on resuming up to two flights a week from Wellington and Christchurch in May, subject to New Zealand travel requirements.”

Chinese Market
Tourism Fiji was awarded the Best Destination Marketing Organisation Award by Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF).

The award was in recognition of its effective travel trade strategy and communication, and campaigns in the China market in 2021.

The fair is a renowned international tourism professional exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, with its initiation dating back 28 years ago.

China and the Chinese market were the fourth largest market contributors to Fiji.

“It is important we continue to “keep the lights on” in China, and ensure we’re there as soon as quarantine requirements lift,” Mr Hill said.

While Tourism Fiji has not spent much money on the Chinese market, it continues to use public relations and social media to keep communicating to this important market, he said.

“Hopefully, we do see Chinese tourists back by midyear,” Mr Hill said.

Tourism Fiji does not expect “too many (arrivals) from Chinese mainland”, but is working on Chinese speaking tourists across the world, Mr Hill said.

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