Thumbs up for tourism meet

The Fiji Daily Post sasy that tourism suppliers and agents attending the Travelscene American Express Frontliners Conference in Sigaoka this week have given the event the thumbs up.

More than 540 agents and suppliers from Australia’s leading travel agency group Travelscene American Express participated in the three-day event at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa with Air Pacific and the Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau (FVB) providing support as principal sponsors. Agents said experiencing Fiji first-hand had been invaluable.

“Frontliners was very good, incredibly informative, and I learnt a lot.”  “Fiji is a beautiful place, the Shangri-La is a lovely resort and I will certainly take away great memories,” Celia Fry, from Impulse Travel said.

“When you sell Fiji, you not only sell the beauty of the country but you also sell the warmth and friendliness of the people – there’s no place on earth like Fiji and now 500 plus top agents from Australia’s top network are in love with Fiji,” Gabrielle Abbott, Trendsetter Travel said.

Barbara Gross, of North Shore Cruise Centre agreed, “I haven’t been to Fiji for 20 years and I probably wouldn’t have made the time to come back on my own so being here as part of Frontliners has meant that I’ve actually seen for myself how much has changed since I was here last.”

“There were quite a few new properties that I wasn’t aware of but which I know I can promote.”

“I will definitely be back and definitely pushing Fiji given it’s just three and a half hours from Australia and has something for everyone.”

David Hopcroft, General Manager, Shangri-La Fijian Resort and Spa said the conference was already delivering positive results.

“Given the political climate and the negative media coverage which Fiji receives in Australia, this is a win-win situation for us, for Fiji and for the more than 500 Travelscene American Express agents who are now definitely champions for Fiji.”

This was also a view echoed by many of the participants including the Hexagon Group’s Azam Khan – “we really need this and I’m sure Travelscene American Express agents will do a great job in championing Fiji. “

“We have a fragile economy and we need the support so having these top agents here is very important.”

Participants in the Fijian Showcase were also thrilled with the successful networking opportunities delivered through participation in the Frontliners event.

“This has been awesome,” Frank Naivaluwaqu, Sales Manager, Ahura Resorts said. “You can already see that the agents will go back to Australia and sell Fiji not just as the top Pacific destination but as one of the best destinations in the world.”

Sheryl Singh, Sales Manager, Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island said, “the conference is fantastic with everyone very involved and enthusiastic in learning more about Fiji. A lot of the travel agents here have changed their mind about Fiji as a result of their time here.”

Nemia Marama, Sales Manager, Beachcomber Island Resort & Cruises agreed. “These frontline staff are falling in love with Fiji and are definitely now our champions with the Fijian Showcase giving them a taste of how totally different all the properties are in Fiji.”

Cathy Kumar, Manager Avis Fiji, also shared the view that the conference had provided a unique opportunity. “I’m delighted that we participated in the Fijian Expo – I had my doubts initially but I’m very glad I invested in being part of this because it’s been a great opportunity to promote Avis and Fiji.”

The opportunity to open agents’ eyes to the wide range of activities and experiences Fiji has to offer was widely applauded as a major benefit.

Merlyn Young, Marketing Director, Koro Sun Resort said, “Northern Fiji is less travelled by Australians so our participation in the Fijian Showcase has been an opportunity to open Travelscene American Express members’ eyes to this remote destination. This has given them a taste of Fiji and broadened their perceptions of Fiji.”

Jason Hart, General Manager, Rivers Fiji was of the same view, “most people when they come to Fiji are unaware that white-water rafting exists so given we are the only day trip here it’s been a great opportunity to corner the market and I’m thrilled we took part on the Showcase.”

The Fiji Showcase also inspired many agents to expand on the existing educational opportunities.

Maggie Davon, General Manager, Amunuca Island Resort said “a couple of agents have already asked for familiarization trips and a couple of agents have already told us they’ve quoted on our Resort as a result of our involvement with the Travelscene American Express conference so it was a good decision to be part of Frontliners.”

Christine,McCann, International Director of Sales & Marketing, Jean-Micheal Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort was also positive on the benefits reaped from participation. “Frontliners has definitely increased these agents’ interest in Fiji and inspired them to look further at all that Fiji offers.”

A Report by The Mole from the Fiji Daily Post