‘No Better Time to Leverage Major Events’
We are very excited about bringing the first-ever NRL match to Fiji,” said Mr Rodski.
Monday 18 December 2023 | 21:08
From left: Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill, Melbourne Storm chief executive officer Justin Rodski, Fiji Bati Captain and Storm player Tui Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka and Fiji Airways chief marketing and customer officer Akuila Batiweti. Photo: Tourism Fiji
Fiji is positioned to capitalise on the success of hosting Fijian Drua games and welcome other big sporting events to the country, according to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka.
Mr Gavoka highlighted this last Friday during his announcement of Fiji’s first National Rugby League-sanctioned (NRL) game between the Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights.
Fiji will host the pre-season NRL match at Churchill Park, Lautoka on February 24, 2024.
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Melbourne Storm chief executive officer (CEO) Justin Rodski, Fiji Airways chief marketing and customer officer Akuila Batiweti, and Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill joined Mr Gavoka for the announcement.
“There is no better time to leverage major events,” he said.
“We have done it in the past and will continue to do so.
“We aim to position Fiji as a destination of choice for such events and to ensure the benefits are far reaching with long-lasting impact beyond tourism numbers.”
Mr Gavoka noted the impact of Fijian Drua Super Rugby games.
“If we look at the overall impact this had on the economy, we’re looking at an estimated FJ$67.09 million total generated gross expenditure,” he said.
“If we look at tourism, the event welcomed 4676 visitors – over 40,000 visitor nights and FJ$18.1m in revenue. So, the returns are huge.”
In the lead-up to the game, the Melbourne Storm will spend a week in Fiji engaging with the local community, schools, and rugby league clubs through a series of special events.
“We are very excited about bringing the first-ever NRL match to Fiji,” said Mr Rodski.
“The support of Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji has helped to make this match become a reality, and we can’t wait to give Fijians the opportunity to see their NRL stars up close and personal.”
Mr Hill said the game aligned with the tourism office’s strategic efforts to showcase Fiji’s versatility and unique offerings.
“We believe this event will not only captivate sports enthusiasts, but will also spotlight Fiji as a destination that seamlessly blends adventure and relaxation,” he said.
Tickets for the match and travel packages with Fiji Airways are on sale now.
From left: Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill, Melbourne Storm chief executive officer Justin Rodski, Fiji Bati Captain and Storm player Tui Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka and Fiji Airways chief marketing and customer officer Akuila Batiweti. Photo: Tourism Fiji
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