Salman Alfaz Ali is the Regional Trade Coordinator at Tourism Fiji.

His work evolves with the global travel trade partners in key markets running campaigns, providing training as well as planning and executing familiarisation trips for the travel trade to Fiji as this will allow and help them put Fiji as the ideal tourist destination among their clients.

Mr Ali’s recent trip was to the United States of America, where Tourism Fiji’s North America team had organized a trade show for their trade partners as well as Fiji industry partners.

The event, known as Bulapalooza, was from 21-23 Oct 22 in Los Angeles where over 100 travel trade partners (wholesale as well as retail partners including travel advisors) from the North American market and 20+ Fijian stakeholders took part in the 3-day event.

He also had the opportunity to represent Tourism Fiji at DEMA Show (Dive Equipment and Marketing Association) where they had a good presence with 12 Fijian dive industry partners. This show was in Orlando, Florida from 1-4 Nov 22.

The global travel industry is the main provider of travelers to Fiji, so making sure they are aware of Fiji and able to sell it efficiently means that Fiji benefits from increased visitation.

With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and Public Administration and Tourism Studies under his belt, Mr Ali had first joined Tourism Fiji in November 2017.

“I started in the marketing team working on global campaigns such as Bulanaires, Care Fiji Commitment, Open for Happiness with other members of the team,” Mr Ali said.

“ I moved to the regional team as Regional Trade Coordinator as my interest was in working with the travel trade and how we can elevate and work closely with our trade partners to increase visitor arrivals to Fiji.”

“One of the highlights of working in this position was delivering an online Specialist Training platform created for our travel trade partners to learn more about Fiji and increase their Fiji sales.”

“This would not have been possible without the Tourism Fiji global trade team who worked on this project and was led by Conny Schutz from our Germany office,” he said.

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

I have been to many places in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and Mamanuca Islands.

Monuriki Island in the Mamanuca group.

What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To?

Every visitor has different things they travel for, whether it’s pure beach relaxation, hiking, diving, cultural immersion.

So, it depends on the one place they would like to visit.

A beachfront on Kabara Island in the Lau group. source: www.seabedsfiji.com/cruises/lau-kadavu-discovery-cruise-11-nights/

What Is Your FavouritePlace For Coffee/Pie ? 

Coffee Hub Nadi is one of my favourite hang out places.

Not only with my loved ones but also a great spot to have meetings and catch up with stakeholders.

Coffee at The Coffee Hub Nadi. Source: @thecoffeehubfiji · Coffee shop FaceBook Page

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?

Spending time with family at home.

Home is where your heart is and for most of the time, I try to spend time with my wife and closest family members.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List? 

There’s quite a few places that are on my bucket list:

• I’d like to visit the Yasawa Islands.
• The North also tops the list as diving the Great White Wall is one on my list.
• I’d also like to visit the Lomaiviti group.

Seeing the Bay of Islands and its uniqueness- the laid back simple and slow pace of life makes it more special

One of the other reasons to visit the Lomaiviti group is due to the UNESCO World Heritage Town: Levuka- Fiji’s colonial Capital.

Naigani Island in the Lomaiviti Group.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj