US incentive group to inject $10m into economy

More than 450 visitors from the United States of America are expected to inject over $10 million into Fiji’s economy through a week-long incentive travel programme.

Rosie Group says it sees significant potential in the US conference and incentive travel market.

Last Saturday, in partnership with Tourism Fiji, Fiji Airways and resort partners, Fiji welcomed two back-to-back charter flights from Salt Lake City, Utah.

The flights brought more than 450 international visitors participating in a seven-night incentive programme at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort and the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa.

Rosie Holidays managing director Tony Whitton said the company, together with Fiji Airways, Tourism Fiji and hotel partners, had spent the past 18 months working with client Morris Meetings & Incentives to bring the event to Fiji.

“This included presentations in Utah and co-ordinating a site inspection visit to Fiji last year,” Mr Whitton said.

“We are delighted to see these plans come to fruition. When we pitched Fiji, we were competing directly against destinations in the Caribbean and across the Pacific.

“Our success was driven by Fiji’s strong national airline with its modern fleet, internationally recognised resort brands located in one of the world’s most pristine destinations, and a vibrant living culture supported by some of the warmest and happiest people on earth.”

The Utah-based client operates in the finance sector and the Fiji trip forms part of a rewards programme for its top-performing employees and their families.

During their stay, the group would experience a range of Fijian attractions, including excursions with Sigatoka River Safari, an exclusive buyout of Malamala Beach Club and a series of off-site evening events organised by Rosie Events.

Mr Whitton said the programme was expected to inject more than $10 million into the Fijian economy, with spending flowing to resorts, transport providers, excursion operators, and village communities in the Sigatoka region.