IN Recovery Mode - FijiTimes.com

In recovery mode

Naomi Beyer
Wednesday, December 30, 2009

THE tourism industry in Pacific Harbour is looking forward to a well-earned New Year's drink this year.

With service being the foundation of the hospitality business, it was no picnic this year.

Cyclone Mick did its worst with damage to the Serua/Namosi region estimated at $5million, mostly to smallholder farmers.

Baka trees, some older than the Pacific Harbour and Deuba settlements, were tossed around like matchsticks.

But resorts provided almost uninterrupted service to their guests.

In only a couple of cases did the visitors realise that the local community was deprived of water and electricity.

That was because of smart planning and skilled staff.

One resort owner went to the trouble of transporting over 20 Hong Kong visitors to Suva so that they would not be inconvenienced by the water shortage.

The management of the Uprising Resort called in all available staff to ensure the clean-up was completed in the shortest possible time. As a result, everything was back to normal in no time.

The Adventure Capital of Fiji remained just that, with uninterrupted diving trips off Lagoon Resort.

Most of the other attractions were back in action within a few hours of Mick departing our shores.

The famous Fiji smile was there in spite of it all.

Agriculture will take some time to recover from this devastation and our hearts go out to those who have lost so much.

Fiji Welcomes two new Airlines - FBCL news

Fiji Welcomes two new airlines
http://www.radiofiji.com.fj

The Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says the services of two new airline companies in Fiji are welcomed.

Bainimarama says this will boost the Tourism Industry and Fiji’s economy.

V Australia and Continental Micronesia have introduced new routes to and from Fiji.

Read More

First-timers take a bow - Fiji Times Online

First-timers take a bow - Fiji Times Online

First-timers take a bow

By Gereldine Panapasa

Saturday, August 22, 2009

The winning performers ... students of the Pacific Harbour Multi-cultural School.

NEWCOMER to Tadra Kahani 2009, Pacific Harbour Multicultural School, was crowned winner of the junior division after a sterling performance at the Vodafone Arena in Suva ast night.

The Deuba school also scooped two special awards, including best concert award, tfl best costume award and cash prize of $1500.

School co-ordinator Lasaro Rabaka said this was a big achievement for the school.

Their colourful creation of the theme - The Transition and Integration of Cultures in Fiji through Dance - left a positive message to a full-house audience last night.

"It's a very fulfilling, rewarding and very satisfying feeling to be named winners of this year's Tadra Kahani junior division," he said. "It was challenging for us in the beginning with the concept but the students really worked hard to improve their performance. We chose a theme that matched our school and that's what we wanted to portray, cultural diversity."

Show co-ordinator Loretta Jackson said this was yet another successful year for the Tadra Kahani and praised the confidence level of participating students at this year's show.

"One thing is clear and that is the standard of performance by the students has lifted yet again," she said. 2008 junior division winner Nakelo District won the tfl best set design award and Vodafone most entertaining while International School in Suva took out the FM96 best soundtrack and tfl best choreography awards.

First-timer Dilkusha Girls Primary won the UNICEF most innovative award.

Cheap Flights - Air Pacific

Cheap Flights from LA to Fiji - $863 round trip and taxes included!
Available for travel from 10th June 09 - 31st December 09.
Sale ends July 14th.

Check out Air Pacific

Uprising shines in Roma

Sunday, June 07, 2009

FijiTimes.com

THE Uprising Beach Resort sevens team continued its fine form, winning all its pool games at the Roma 7s yesterday.

The side beat Samurai 12-5, which was an upset.

This team had the players from the England and South Africa side.

In its opening match the Pacific Harbour based side beat USA 42-5 before disposing France Frog-gies 36-0.

The team went on to beat Italy Club 28-0.

The team, with owner Rene Munch at the helm won the Ruck Over Rugby Charity 7s in Brighton, England last weekend.

This week the side has continued its fine show and will

Munch said he was proud of his side.

"The crowd is dumb founded as the boys beat Samurai," Munch said.

The Roma Sevens has been running for eight years and is the third biggest 7's tournament in Europe.

The seductive Stadio dei Marmi provides the perfect setting to unleash legends of the games such Ben Gollings, DJ Forbes, and Tim Walsh.

Uprising Beach Resort Rugby Team on Sevens Surge!!

Uprising on sevens surge
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
FijiTimes.com

Globe trotters ... Members of the Uprising Beach Resort sevens team after winning the Ruck Over Rugby Charity tournament in London

THE Uprising Beach Resort sevens team continues to turn heads on the world stage after winning the Ruck Over Rugby Charity 7s in Brighton, England, over the weekend.

The side beat Olorun ID 55-10 in the cup final and this was a cause for celebration for the side, which has been awing many around the world with their skills.

The team, with owner Rene Munch at the helm, disposed Marauders Academy 19-12 in the semi-final.

Munch had to fill in after one of the players got injured and this was an added inspiration for the team as their boss combined well with his charges.

"There are two new players in this team from the previous tour," Munch aid.

"Youngest player Avenisi Vasuinubu at 17, was definitely the player of the tournament with 14 tries and 14 conversions."

"It is not all about the owners as the players get to snap up all the prizemoney, which has seen them smile all the way.

"I am very happy with the teams' performance in Brighton, especially winning against very strong sides by such big margins," Munch said.

"So many people here have shown great interest in the resort and Fiji in general.

"The organisers of the tournament have already confirmed a visit to Fiji (Uprising) in the next few months."

The team returns on June 10 after its assault on the Roma 7s in Italy.

"Roma 7s is going to be very tough especially with all the IRB circuit players taking part," Munch said.

"Tough teams include British Army, Kooga wailers (England players), France, Italy, South African universities and other strong European teams."

Fiji wins Edinburgh Sevens

FijiTimes online

Monday, June 01, 2009

Update: 7:20AM FIJI inched ahead of IRB 7s World Series Champion South Africa 20-19 to snatch the Edinburgh Sevens title and second spot in the overall standings.

Emosi Vucago grounded the game's first try but the South Africans responded with a converted score to lead 7-5.

Unrattled, the hardworking pair Pio Tuwai and Osea Kolinisau each broke the Boks' defence 15-7 just before the break.

In the second half, skipper Vereniki Goneva ran in for another to secure Fiji's lead 20-7.

To the credit of the South Africans, just as the game looked to have been sealed, they ran in two more tries (Gio Aplon, Renfred Dazel).

But Fiji hung on to achieve their goal of leapfrogging England (98) to secure the No.2 spot in the overall standings with 102 points.

In the other competitions, New Zealand slaughtered Australia for the Plate 34-12, England beat France 26-15 for the Bowl and USA edged Canda 12-10 for the Shield.

Exploring Challenges - Pacific Storms Exhibition

Exploring challenges

By Geraldine Panapasa
Sunday, May 31, 2009

Exploring the spirit, life and challenges of contemporary Pacific people is what the Pacific Storms Exhibition is all about.

From June 3 to July 12, about 30 artists from around the Pacific including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga, New Caledonia, Rotuma and artists based in New Zealand and Australia will showcase their work at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery in Australia in an effort to draw away from mainstream stereotypes of what Pacific art is and who its people are.

Setting a platform of contemporary creativity integrating real issues of the modern Pacific society, Pacific Storms will exhibit 50 artworks by leading Pacific artists.

Created by Beyond Pacific Art with Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, Pacific Storms aims to challenge perceptions while questioning our understanding of Australia's closest neighbours, the Pacific Islands.

Curator for the exhibition Jocelyn Leahy said the Pacific remains one of the few regions in the world rich in tangible and intangible heritage.

"Being rich in tangible and intangible heritage provides Pacific people with an endless source for artistic expression," Jocelyn said.

"The unique art forms are evidenced in museum and gallery collections all over the world collected over centuries.

"It is from this valuable artistic source that a selection of well-known and emerging artists across nine countries was challenged to use their heritage to create a contemporary Pacific expression.

"Living in a contemporary society that is culturally diverse and rapidly changing means it is important that the arts of these contemporary societies embrace and reflect these changes.

"The exhibition questions the present, highlights the now and draws viewers' attention to what lies under leis, sunshine and the stereotype view of Pacific Islands as underdeveloped and creators of primitive art."

Jocelyn hopes through the unique perspective of artists, display and interpretation of Pacific art, the exhibition will provide an opportunity for Australians to develop a better understanding of Pacific nations and their cultures. A little over 18 months ago, Jocelyn and the Gallery's exhibition officer Bianaca Acimovic began discussions on the representation and display of Pacific artists.

Their discussions led to the creation of Pacific Storms which strives not to stereotype Pacific arts but rather aims to capture the viewer and draw attention to Pacific culture in contemporary sense as seen through the eyes of Pacific artists.

"The Pacific region is marked by exceptional cultural and biological diversity within spectacular physical landscapes," Jocelyn said. "Thus each has their own unique way of building resilience to climate change, globalisation, security and civil unrest, HIV and AIDS, and many other social issues.

"These expressions are exhibited in the hope that wider audiences understand the complex issues through the diversity of art across the Pacific.

"As the creator of the show, I am considering running this as a bi-annual show. There has been tremendous interest in Australia and across the Pacific."

The assistance of Pacific Island artists including Letila Mitchell, director of Pacific Art Alliance and Daniel Waswas, artist and founder of Gallery PNG and Kingdom Power Ministries, adds leverage to the show. One local artist participating in the exhibition with incredible talent is 38-year old Anare Somumu who is contracted by Tokani Art Agency and affiliated to the Fiji Arts Council.

Complete story at FijiTimes.com

A vision for a clean Fiiji - Fiji Times Story

A vision for a clean Fiji

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Environmental campaigner ... Alexander Austin's vision for a cleaner Fiji led to the set-up of Green Steps

He has a vision to see to a clean Fiji in future.

Alexander Austin, better known as Alex, does not only hold this vision but has taken things to a far practical level of happenings.

Happenings which have mobilised the business community particularly to unite for a cleaner Fiji.

Alex, who is the production manager of family-run and Fiji's only cosmetic manufacturing factory Pure Fiji, cannot stand the sight of a dirty and messy beach area.

His conscience to do something about the filth lying around gave birth to Green Steps.

Green Steps is the coming together of several companies for environmental clean-ups and awareness.

"I started Green Steps initially about June 2007 because I saw the need to do something about the amount of rubbish that was washing up on our shores. I remembered as a young child playing in the sand at the Suva Point beach and watching the fish swimming in the pools at low tide. You could see the sand then," Alex said.

"This is where I learned to swim. I was horrified when I went down to that same beach to see the state that it was in. Something had to be done, but what? What could I do."

The thought kept running in his head and he knew something had to be done.

"I contacted several business owners and managers and asked them if they would be interested in helping me clean up the foreshore and beaches," he said.

"Then I had to think of how they would get their recognition for their efforts. And so from that Green Steps was born."

Green Steps is putting rubbish bins around Suva for the public to use.

The bins are sponsored by local businesses and money raised from sponsorship of these bins funds the ongoing environmental clean-up programs that Green Steps has been doing since January last year. The Green Steps rubbish bins are emptied, cleaned and maintained by the Green Steps crew on a daily basis.

"Green Steps employs four young men from the community to perform these duties as well as the environmental clean up program," explained Alex.

"Every day Green Steps employees walk along the foreshore of Suva from the Suva Wharf to Suva Point picking up rubbish. Currently Green Steps has approximately 60 rubbish bins in Suva and we aim to have over 100 bins installed by the end of the year."

It's this civic pride that makes him do what he does every day.

Green Steps' goal is to have a public rubbish bin accessible to everyone on every major road and public area by 2011 with adequate staffing to look after it.

Seeing the progress and effect of his actions is an achievement that gives him a sense of satisfaction.

The planet Earth is a living breathing thing that is at our mercy, says Alex.

"We need to take care of the land that we live on. We would not throw rubbish on the ground in our office or at our homes, so why do it when we are outside? This type of carelessness has to stop before the problem becomes to big for us to handle," he said.

The almost 40-year-old is happily married with two children who are the world to him.

"In my spare time I ride around Suva on my "TukTuk" picking up rubbish and if time allows I occasionally go sailing on the family Hobie Cat," he said.

Alex believes there is still a lot of room for improvement.

"I know that Fiji can and very soon will be very beautiful, but in order to get to that stage we have to do a lot of education and enforcement. We have to teach our children from a very young age that littering amongst other things is not acceptable," he said.

Though he has spent 17 years in United States of America, Fiji is his home.

"There is no better place to live than in Fiji. We have the best country in the world. The best place to raise children, the best and friendliest people in the world," said the Fiji-born man.

His motto is: Life is not a dress rehearsal. We have one opportunity to live our lives and only one Earth to do it on.

"This is your land, your vanua take pride in what we have and treat it with respect," said Alex

Cruise liners to inject estimated $3m into Fiji economy

MARY RAUTO
Fiji Times Story - Saturday, May 30, 2009

Update: 12:29PM FIJI is expected to receive at least $3million from the remaining 70 cruise vessels scheduled to visit our shores via Pacific Agencies (Fiji) Limited this year.

Company spokesman Bradley Bower said a total of 70 cruise vessels for PAFL alone were scheduled to call into Fiji for 2009.
He said these vessels would call into Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu, Dravuni, Denarau, Taveuni, Kioa, Rabi, Beqa and Yasawa group of islands.
The $3.15m estimated revenue excludes port fees, employment and earnings of companies involved in handling cruise ships, cruise ship passengers booking on tours within port limits.
Mr Bower said each cruise vessel 1500 to 2000 passengers and an estimated $30 per person was spent at a port.

He said the global economic crisis did not have much effect on the cruise holidaymakers because many bookings were made two years in advance. For those traveling passengers, majority have paid for their cruise holidays two years prior and are still traveling regardless, he said.
The effect of this world recession affects those booking now for one to two years on.

Those numbers may be limited and cruise companies will be looking at what savings can be made that provides them incentives to continue selling your port among all others available.
One of PAFLs cruise vessel Dawn Princess berthed at the Kings Wharf in Suva on Thursday.

Fiji to Host Pacific Nations Cup | Bleacher Report

Fiji to Host Pacific Nations Cup | Bleacher Report

by James Mortimer (Analyst)

The International Rugby Board has announced that Fiji will host the Pacific Nations Cup in 2009. The appointment of what is considered the key rugby tournament for the Pacific Islands is a vital component for their continued expansion.

The Fijians will host the core of the tournament, hosting matches at the National Stadium in Suva, Churchill Park in Lautoka, and Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.

Prior to this, Samoa will host the Junior All Blacks in Apia, and Tonga will welcome the Fijians in Nuka’alofa.

The tournament will feature the three Pacific Nations teams, as well as the Junior All Blacks and Japan. This year, Australia A will not take part in the tournament.

The IRB’s Chairman Bernard Lapasset was ecstatic to announce the hosting in the Pacific Islands, where normally the Cup is formatted in home-and-away style matches with the respective nations.

“The hosting of the majority of ANZ Pacific Nations Cup matches for the first time in a single country is a very exciting development for a tournament which is now a major event in the global Rugby calendar,” Lapasset stated.

“Fiji has a rich Rugby heritage and a passion for the Game and I am sure that the country will embrace their first major IRB international 15-a-side event and deliver a special and memorable tournament that will serve to boost the profile of Rugby across the region.”

“The Game continues to grow exponentially in the Islands, thanks to the delivery of dedicated High Performance programmes and Union management initiatives as key elements of the IRB’s unprecedented £48 million global Strategic Investment Programme.”

“A key element of this strategy is the delivery of world class tournaments such as the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup and the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup, which now completes a defined high-performance competition pathway for Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Tonga.”

“The fruits were clearly seen at Rugby World Cup 2007 were Fiji reached the quarter finals and Tonga and Japan produced their best-ever RWC performances. I am sure that the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2009 will serve to lift performance levels once again as these teams look towards Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand,” Lapasset enthused.

The championship provides a welcome boost to Fiji that has unfortunately had its share of negative news and publicity of late.

Complete story here

Fiji International Year of the Shark

As the hands of the clock approach midnight for Sharks, organizations working for their protection have joined forces and declared 2009 The International Year of the Shark.

As part of the International Year of the Shark, Beqa Adventure Divers and Shark Reef Marine Reserve have partnered with local and international organizations to offer you the Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project.

The motion aims to raise global awareness of their imminent extinction and the oceanic crisis at hand.

Recent findings of the Global Shark Assessment indicate that at current rates of decline, extinction of the most threatened species of Shark is forecast in 10 to 15 years. In large regions, species that were once numerous have virtually disappeared, in a massacre comparable to that of the buffalo on the North American plains 200 years ago, but on a much larger scale. For example, studies of oceanic Sharks estimate 80 to 90% of heavily fished species are gone. Yet these intelligent animals are still fished intensively, and finned, usually while still alive, for shark fin soup.

Backpacker Tour Punches Above Its Weight In Prestigious Fiji Tourism Awards

Backpacker Tour Punches Above Its Weight In Fiji

SCOOP.co.nz
Tuesday, 24 February 2009, 1:03 pm
Press Release: Tourism Holdings Limited

MEDIA RELEASE
February 24, 2009

Backpacker Tour Punches Above Its Weight In Prestigious Fiji Tourism Awards

Feejee Experience, THL’s Fiji “sister” to hop on, hop off tour bus operator Kiwi Experience, was a finalist in the coveted “Fiji Experience” category at the 2008 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards this month in Fiji.

The awards gala features the who’s who of Fiji’s tourism industry including island resorts, five star accommodation providers, environmental projects and various tour operators, and Feejee Experience was up against Great Sights Fiji, Kula Eco Park and Sigatoka River Safari’s for the award.

More here

The appeal of Feejee Experience is that it offers customers a unique way to see Fiji, says Quimby, giving them the chance to stay at some of Fiji’s most amazing beaches, interact with local culture on a daily basis, and participate in adventure activites such as sandboarding, a jungle trek, river tubing and bilibili rafting.

They offer a range of trips from four days to 14 days, but customers can extend their pass to twelve months if they want to spend longer at any of the stops. There are also many options to travel to islands such as Mantaray Island, Robinson Crusoe, and Vorovoro Island, where the BBC ‘Tribewanted’ documentary was filmed.

Also making its mark at the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards was the Uprising Beach Resort located in the adventure capital of Pacific Harbour, which won “Best Accommodation - Budget.” Uprising Beach Resort was introduced as the second overnight stop on the Feejee Experience route in 2008. The first overnight stop on the tour is Mango Bay Resort, which received the award in 2007.

About Feejee Experience:
Feejee Experience is Fiji’s legendary hop-on, hop-off bus tour operator for backpackers and independent travellers. The Feejee Experience adventure travel network is part of Tourism Holdings Limited.

To find out more about Feejee Experience, check out their website.

Economic boom for Fiji’s ‘hidden paradise’

Economic boom for Fiji’s ‘hidden paradise’
16/02/2009

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A world class golf course and a new hotel in Savusavu are among new projects lined up for Fiji’s northern division.

A Malaysian company has also shown interest in planting jathropha, for bio-fuel, on a big scale, confirms Fiji Trade and Investment Board chairman Francis Narayan.

“There has been considerable interest shown by investors in Vanua Levu, but the flood situation has put everything on hold really,” he adds.

“They are more worried about Fiji’s flood situation however we at FTIB have made a point to talk to investors on a one on one basis and we have been telling them about the tax breaks that can be enjoyed by them if they choose to invest in Vanua Levu.

“As we are talking, there have already been confirmed projects such as hotels in Savusavu and a world class golf course in Natewa Bay. What we are looking at is development that will happen in the near future which will help revamp the North.”

The Northern Division, particularly Savusavu Town, has seen a boom in economic activity recently.

The Public Rental Board last week announced that it is building new flats to accommodate rising demands for housing.

PRB boss Mesake Senibulu said there has been an influx of people into Savusavu, especially from Labasa residents.

Savusavu is also benefiting from the tourist dollar.

The interim Government expects 16 cruise ships to visit the ‘hidden paradise’ this year.

Interim Attorney-General and Acting Minister for Tourism Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the visit of cruise liner, Pacific Dawn, with over 2000 passengers, last Friday was expected to inject $F100,000 into Savusavu in one day.

Sayed-Khaiyum added that there were plans in place to further develop Savusavu into a tourism town.

State media reports that inbound tour operations were taking tourists to two villages (Nukubalavu and Nukutoso), Waisale Rainforest and a black pearl farm.

Tourism Fiji targets cruise ship sector

Tourism Fiji targets cruise ship sector
16/02/2009- Fijilive

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Plans are now in place to increase the flow of cruise liners through niche marketing activities showcasing lesser known areas of Fiji.

This was confirmed by Tourism Fiji chairman Patrick Wong today who said it was these cruise liners that generated and contributed the much needed foreign exchange earnings in the short period of time visiting our shores.

Wong said some of the non-traditional tourism areas that could benefit from cruise liners included the northern islands, Lomaiviti, Kadavu, Lau and Rotuma.

He said these plans would call for participation from all sectors in the community, from meke performers, firewalkers, entertainers, tour guides, ground operators, taxis and bus drivers, wood cavers, and weavers, etcetera.

“It also spreads the benefits of the tourism dollar by promoting non-traditional tourism areas and activities, supporting transportation companies, boat operators and small tourism related enterprise,” Wong said.

“It supports the government’s policy of spreading the tourism dollar throughout the islands and in support of small owner-operators, indigenous investors in the eco-tourism market such as trekking, diving, bird watching and soft adventure,” he said.

Wong said proposed plans would ensure the promotion of locally-owned enterprises that have no internationally-recognised branding and placing an emphasis on its unique selling points.

“But there is much work to be done with infrastructure on charting of our waters and identifying berthing and suitable mooring sights for the large liners” he said.

The AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards

The AON FIJI Excellence in Tourism Awards
Feb 10, 2009, 15.02

The 2008 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards was held at the Sheraton Fiji Resort on Friday 6th February 2009.

This is a much anticipated annual event in the Fiji Tourism Industry calendar, where tourism operators compete for their product to recognized and endorsed with this prestigious Award. The Excellence in Tourism Awards have been in place now for 14 years.

There are 12 categories which are open to all tourism operators to submit a nomination and to be considered by a team of judges. The nominations are open for submission from August to October each year and judging begins from mid-November.

The ten product categories are open for self nomination or nomination by visitors, members of the industry and the general public. For the 2008 Awards nearly 2000 nominations were received for the different categories.

Categories encompass the different products in the Tourism Industry. The categories and winners are as follows:

1. Fiji Experience - includes cruises and tourist attractions: SIGATOKA RIVER SAFARI & KULA ECO PARK

2. Transport, Tours, Conference & Incentive Operators: ATS PACIFIC (FIJI) LTD

3. Restaurants - includes restaurants in the hotels/resorts: WICKED WALU RESTAURANT at the WARWICK FIJI RESORT & SPA

4. Environmental, Heritage, Arts & Culture - fostering appreciation and stewardship of the environment and our heritage: MAMANUCA ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY

5. Adventure Tourism - organized activity on land, air or water: ADRENALIN WATERSPORTS (FIJI) LTD

6. General Tourism Services including Shopping: Includes spas, wedding chapels, airports, web masters, event staging, translation etc: TAPPOOS

7. Accommodation Budget: UPRISING RESORT

8. Accommodation Quality: MERCURE HOTEL, NADI

9. Accommodation Deluxe: WESTIN DENARAU ISLAND RESORT & SPA

10. Accommodation Deluxe/Unique: LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT

11. Young Achiever: For employees under 30 years old: JENNIFER YIP of WARWICK FIJI RESORT

12. Front Liner of the Year: Open to all workers in the industry: UNA MURRAY, PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER, OUTRIGGER ON THE LAGOON

The Young Achiever and Front Liner of the Year is not self nominating and they have to be nominated by their employer, members of the industry or general public.

In addition to the above there is a Grassroots Enterprise Development Grant which is the awarding of a total grant of up to $10,000 that will be given in kind to individuals or a community involved in business initiatives in the production of goods and services for tourism and have already proven successful in their endeavours and require assistance to take their business venture forward.

There were eight applications for grants for 2008 and six grants have been awarded to those that have fulfilled the criteria stated. They are:

1. Resorts (x2): Takalana Retreat, Tailevu and Seaworld at Botaira Resort: To assist in the purchase of equipment for the Resorts.

2. Farmers (x3): Emosi Viavia of Naweni Village, Savusavu; Mosese Bobi of Wailevu East, Savusavu and Rupeni Tuimavana of Greenroots Farm near Volivoli Village, Sigatoka.

3. Art & Craft (x1): Creativiti. For purchase of additional art and craft material.

The Board of Trustees select the premier awards that are given to individuals as follows:

1. Special Citation: For individuals who in their view have made a special contribution in the different areas of the industry. There two Special Citation Awards for 2008 and they were given to:

a. Ratu Kini Bokonaqiwa of Ratu Kini’s Backpackers, Mana Island

b. Cherrill Watson, recently retired Director Marketing Fiji Visitors Bureau/Tourism Fiji.

2. Lifetime Achiever: For individuals who have made lifetime achievements in tourism.

a. Kantilal Tappoo: Tappoos Group of Companies

3. Visionary: For individuals who have vision and have made outstanding contribution to Tourism.

a. Gaetane Austin: Pure Fiji

Members of the Board of Trustees are Dick Smith (Chairman), Gerald Barrack, Bill Cruickshank, Bob Dods and Ro Teimumu Kepa.

The Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards is self funded through sponsors. The major sponsors for the 2008 Awards are AON Fiji Ltd., Pacific Blue; Westpac Banking Corporation; Stella Travel Services; Rooster Poultry; Asco Motors; Fintel; Telecom Fiji Ltd, TPAF (sponsor of the pre dinner cocktails).

Sponsors in kind were received from Pure Fiji; Fiji Water; Tappoos; Tourism Fiji.

Hotels and Resorts also supported the event by donating prizes that were used for a Silent Auction during the evening and the proceeds were donated to the Prime Minister’s Flood Appeal. The major lucky draw prizes for the evening was donated by Air Pacific for trip for 2 to the Gold Coast and from Pacific Blue for a trip for 2 either to New Zealand or to Australia.

Chief Guest at the Awards was the Interim Prime Minister Commodore V Bainimarama and also present was the Interim Attorney General & Acting Minister for Tourism Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. The event was attended by 400 guests.

Olivia Mavoa
AWARDS COORDINATOR

All is well with Fiji tourism

All is well with Fiji tourism
3-Feb-2009 08:48 AM - Fiji daily Post online

ALL resorts in Fiji are fully functional despite the devastating effects of the recent floods in the country says interim Minister for Tourism Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

While briefing members of the overseas and local media at a special press conference held at the Tourism Fiji boardroom in Nadi yesterday, Sayed-Khaiyum reiterated the consolidated efforts of the industry stakeholders who are expected to be rolling out special packages for visitors in association with national airline Air Pacific.

“We are quite keen to see tourists coming back to Fiji and in particular from our traditional markets in Australia and New Zealand where fifty percent of our visitors come from,” Sayed-Khaiyum said.

He said all stakeholders were working with various product managers and agents who were promoting Fiji to ensure a swift return of visitors after the recent natural disasters.

“We deeply acknowledge the part that Air Pacific and the various resorts are playing in driving this campaign forward together with Tourism Fiji which has various marketing strategies put in place,” Sayed-Khaiyum added.

“And of course we would like the local media to work closely with Tourism Fiji and the various resorts in promoting Fiji.”

Meanwhile Tourism Fiji which was formerly known as the Fiji Visitors Bureau will be officially launching its new name and logo this Friday.

Tourism Fiji chief executive Josefa Tuamoto confirmed the launch to the members of the media present at the press conference aimed at creating awareness for Fiji’s visitors that everything was back to normal in the country.

The prestigious Aon Risk sponsored 2008 Excellence in Tourism Awards is also scheduled to be held at the new look Sheraton Fiji Resort in Denarau Island this Friday.


By SHALENDRA PRASAD

Team Uprising

Thursday, January 22, 2009 - Fiji Times Online

Ranked the lowest amongst the Fijian teams, current Byron Bay Champions, Uprising Beach Resort rugby team, leave our shores today for the Hottest Sevens in Darwin.

"We are ranked the lowest because of our lack of experience," said Rene Munch, coach and trainer of the team.

Twelve team members, captained by John Moroivalu, will compete against some of the world's best exponents of the abbreviated code.

Munch is also the owner of the Uprising Beach Resort in Pacific Harbor and was a member of the team until he injured himself.

The team comprises of staff from the resort.

They will compete against rugby powerhouses and Rene says this will be a chance of a life time for some of the players.

"We are pooled with Samoa and I know it is going to be very difficult but it is good learning ground," he said.

Other strong Fijian teams Davetalevu, Red Rock, Drifters and Global Fiji Samurai are also part of the tournament.

"The team has been in camp for the past two weeks in the resort compounds and we have tents erected on the beach-front," Munch said.

Munch said he was happy to see the level of fitness was to his expectation after numerous training sessions.

"The resort has its own gym so the boys are able to train here everyday. The team also has a lot of fast runners which is an advantage."

Uprising has only been in existence for a year and so far has had a successful year, winning three tournaments out of four. They lost to the Fiji side at the Brisbane Sevens last October.

"My aim is basically to expose the boys to more international tournaments," Munch said.

Pacific Harbour Flood Fund - Fiji Islands

Pacific Harbour Flood Fund

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Lets help out how we can people! 13,000 people have lost their belongings, their homes.

We are looking for donations for the people in the West who have lost everything.

WHAT SHOULD I DONATE?

> Canned & packet food
> Clothes
> Bedding & blankets
> Cash

Please remember, every little bit helps. Genuinely so.

I'M OVERSEAS, HOW DO I DONATE?

> If you'd like to make a financial donation, we are arranging a single bank account in each country, allowing us to consolidate funds and transfer to the Red Cross in one international transfer.

> We have accounts ready in Australia and Canada, with more to come. Stay tuned!

> Thanks to the folks at Greenpeace, if you are in Sydney, you can also donate supplies.

I'M IN PACIFIC HARBOUR, HOW DO I DONATE?

> We will be doing a drive around Pacific Harbour to collect donations on Wednesday 21st or Friday 23rd from 11am. If you'd like to book in, call 908 0548.

> For drop offs, head to Rajeev's Service Station.

WHERE DO ALL THE DONATIONS GO?

> Items will be donated directly to the Red Cross in Nadi on Saturday 24th.

> Cash donations will be consolidated and deposited into the Red Cross Bank Account.

Contact Info

alexia@fijiwaterfront.com \ talei@thefairtradecompany.com.au

More INFORMATION www.PacificHarbourFloodFundFiji.blogspot.com