PM opens 2016 Fijian tourism expo in Nadi

There has been an increase of 10.2 percent of visitors arriving into Fiji compared to 9.7% for the same period last year.

This was revealed by the Prime Minister Hon. Voreqe Bainimarama while opening the third Fijian Tourism Expo 2016 at the Sofitel Resort and Spa, Denarau in Nadi this morning.

PM Bainimarama said in the first quarter of 2016, Fiji received a total of 158,069 visitors which is an increase of 10.2% compared to the same period last year.

BAINIMARAMA: “In the first quarter of 2016, we received a total of 158,069 visitors, which is an increase of 10.2 percent compared to the same period last year. So far from being down in the wake of Cyclone Winston, our arrivals have actually gone up. And we are set for another bumper year for tourism, both in numbers and earnings.”

PM Bainimarama said Fiji is set for another good year for tourism both in numbers and earnings.

BAINIMARAMA: “As we can see, the close collaboration has already yielded a good result for Team Fiji. And it shows us what we can do if we can pool our resources and our brainpower to confront any challenge, however daunting.”

PM Bainimarama said that he is proud of leading the nation during one of the most challenging times in history due to the examples set by the Fijian people.

BAINIMARAMA: “Fiji is now directly linked to every continent around the Pacific Rim, apart from South America. And this offers us new opportunities to attract affluent and adventurous holiday makers from further afield than our traditional mass markets in Australia and New Zealand.”

The three day event will have 149 international buyers from 19 countries with 112 sellers.

The Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Hon. Faiyaz Koya and Tourism Fiji’s Executive Chairman Mr. Truman Bradley today presented a traditional sevusevu to the “Na Momo na Tui Nadi” to seek his blessings for the third Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE).

A successful Sevusevu at na Momo na Tui Nadi's residence at Narewa Village today #FTE2016 pic.twitter.com/Hhmg4EvIIs

— Faiyaz Koya (@FaiyazKoya) May 1, 2016

After the sevusevu in Narewa, Nadi the “Na Momo na Tui Nadi” Ratu Sailosi Dawai blessed the Expo.

Minister Koya said the three day event will have 149 international buyers from 19 countries with 112 sellers.

While giving the blessings of the vanua, Ratu Dawai said tourism is a key sector for the development of the Fijian economy and FTE is an important event which needs to be supported by everyone.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama officially opened the event at the Denarau Island Convention Centre tomorrow.

Over three-day, FTE 2016 will have 149 international buyers from 19 countries, 15 international travel media, 112 sellers.