Fiji tourism fall off: all-inclusive holiday packages to be expected

12 February 2009

Fiji tourism fall off: all-inclusive holiday packages to be expected

A bargain of all-inclusive Fiji packages should be expected by Australians seeking for a low-priced overseas vacation during these times when the economy is unstable.

Flight fares inclusive of taxes, five-night accommodation (meal included) and hotel transfers are covered by the packages set up by Air Pacific (an international airline), the Fiji Islands Hotels and Tourism Association (FIHTA), and Tourism Fiji.

According to Aaron McGrath, spokesperson of FIHTA, at least 50% of savings will be represented by the prices.

Tourism is Fiji’s biggest dollar-earner. In fact, the allotment for tourism in its 2009 budget has been almost doubled to $F23 million (approximately $A19.3 million) by the Interim government.

Advertising in Australia will spend $F5.5 million and in $F3.4 million in New Zealand. Together, they render 60% of Fiji's tourists, according to Josefa Tuamoto, the CEO of Fiji Tourism.

Aside from the three largest Australian cities of Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart, and Perth, mining towns and provincial cities are also part of the concentration in the country.

Travel Media from New Zealand and Australia visit some of the resort managers on the Mamuca Islands and Coral Coast, saying that arrivals from New Zealand in Fiji have gone down more harshly compared to those who came from Australia.

One of New Zealander's all-inclusive packages costs from $NZ799 ex-Auckland.

Based on the resorts and hotels' star ratings, six bargain levels are made available for only $NZ 2,600 for a 5-day stay at the topmost grade.

Sports packages possibly involving yachting, golf and football, as well as some film and music-based festivals, will be included in the 2009 plans. A good travel tip is to take a personalised usb drive for any documents you need but dont want to carry.