Fiji Tourism Board and Fiji Airways held the “2024 Japan Roadshow” for the press in Tokyo on April 22. This event was held to introduce the Republic of Fiji, located in the South Pacific Ocean, and to promote tourism.
Mr. Robert Thompson, Regional Director, Fiji Tourism Board, was the first speaker and said, “Fiji welcomes 929,740 international visitors in 2023, including 929,740 from Japan. Japan is one of Fiji’s top 10 most important markets in terms of visitor numbers. We are committed to retaining this position. Last year, we welcomed 7,748 visitors from Japan, recovering to 52.1% over 2019”.
Regarding access to Fiji, the national airline, Fiji Airways, operates direct flights between Narita and Nadi International Airport, making it “easy to come to Fiji with easy access from Japan,” he introduced. The warm climate and culture of Fiji makes it a “perfect destination for romantic getaways and memorable family vacations,” he said, adding that beach activities, snorkeling, and a variety of unique experiences are available. He concluded, “Vinaka vakalevu (thank you).”
Ms. Sae Miyamoto, PR Manager, Fiji Tourism Board, took the stage next. She prefaced her presentation by saying that Fiji is located in the South Pacific and consists of 333 islands, which is about the same size as Shikoku Island. She introduced the locations of the islands: Viti Levu in the center is the largest, accounting for 50% of the total, and is the center of politics, economy, and people’s lives; Vanua Levu is the second largest; and Taveuni, the third largest, once had a date line through it, and its monuments are a tourist attraction.
The number of Japanese visitors to Fiji in 2023 was 929,740, up 4% from 2019 before the Corona, but the number of Japanese visitors was 7748, only about 50% of the 2019 figure. In 2024, the number of Japanese visitors will be 2,264 from January to March, but it will not be as high as the 2019 result, and efforts are being made to exceed this number.
We have therefore introduced “5 Points to Visit Fiji”. In addition to the hospitality, traditions, culture, and beautiful beach resorts, the fifth point is a good one for travelers from Japan. With the recent depreciation of the yen, Fiji Airways, which does not require fuel surcharges, can be used, and on top of that, the low cost of living for a resort destination is a big advantage. The fact that no tipping is required and that Fiji is an English-speaking country is also a great advantage for beginners to foreign countries.
The last speaker was Fiji Airways Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Aquila Batiway, who introduced the company and gave a presentation on accessibility.
Fiji’s national airline, Fiji Airways, which about 10 years ago operated flights between Narita and Osaka as Air Pacific Limited, now operates under the Fiji Airways brand. Fiji Airways is now operating under the Fiji Airways brand.
Currently, there are two flights a week between Narita and Nadi International Airport on Tuesdays and Fridays, but from August 2024, the flights will depart from Narita on Wednesdays and Saturdays and from Nadi on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the time will be changed. He explained that the arrival time at Nadi will be 4:35 pm and the departure time from Nadi will be 23:55 pm, which will allow passengers to extend their stay in Fiji and to depart and arrive in Australia and New Zealand on the same day.
As for arrival at Narita, since it will be at 6:10 a.m., passengers can connect to Jetstar Japan, a member of the alliance, and travel within Japan on the same day, he said, “We expect that the schedule change on August 2 will increase demand in various ways.
On the Narita route, the main aircraft is an Airbus A330-200, with 24 seats in a 2-2-2 configuration for business class and 245 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration for economy class. Seatbacks are equipped with monitors that allow passengers to enjoy a variety of entertainment on demand.
The company joined oneworld Connect in 2018 and code-shares with 14 airlines. In addition, the company has partnerships with 46 interline airlines, so many passengers fly from Europe to Nadi via Japan, from Hong Kong and China to Nadi via Narita, and from Japan to Nadi via Narita using Jetstar Japan. Nadi from Europe via Japan” and “Nadi from Hong Kong and China via Narita”.
He stated that the company has been striving to win numerous awards for its service and will continue to “increase the number of awards it has received and enhance its service. In terms of fares, he explained that the airline offers a unique fare system titled “Fly Your Way. The fares range from the simple “Light” to “Value” and “Comfort”, and “Plus”, which allows for schedule changes, priority boarding, etc. He said that passengers can flexibly choose “Light” for short stays and “Comfort” or “Plus” for leisure or business travel. He concluded by saying, “There are 333 islands in Fiji, and Fiji Airways is the 334th island, so you can enjoy a resort-like atmosphere from the moment you board the plane.
© Source travel watch
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