BULA! (Greetings) and Welcome to the Bula News Electronic Newsletter. Produced and distributed by the Fiji Visitors Bureau, the Bula News provides an up to date summary of the latest developments in Fiji's Tourism Industry on a regular basis. If you have any newsworthy items which you would like to be communicated via this newsletter, please forward to bulanews@bulafiji.com This is a complimentary service provided by the Fiji Visitors Bureau

JANUARY VISITOR ARRIVALS SET NEW RECORD
Fiji visitor arrivals were at an all time high in January with a record number of 30,624 visitors arriving on our shores. The figure marks a 25 percent increase for the same period in 2001 and breaks the last record of 30, 321 recorded in January 2000.
Fiji Visitors Bureau, Chief Executive, Sitiveni Yaqona, said the arrival figures were an indication of the renewed faith in Fiji and evidence that Fiji was recovering well from the events of May 2000. "It is also an indication that our marketing efforts and the work being conducted by our partners in the industry is paying off," Mr Yaqona said.
For details on visitor arrivals statistics, please contact George Mow on phone: (679) 302433, fax: (679) 300986 or e-mail: gmow@fijifvb.gov.fj

MAJOR FVB STAFF RESHUFFLE
The FVB will send its Marketing Services Manager, Ilisapeci Matatolu to Australia, as its new Regional Director Australia and Mr. Jo Rayawa to the Unites States as its new Regional Director America. Mr. Rayawa is presently Regional Director Australia.
This follows the appointment of Mr. Jo Tuamoto as the FVB's Director of Marketing. Mr. Tuamoto was the Regional Director Americas for the Bureau and his new appointment created a vacancy that resulted in the reshuffle.
In announcing the reshuffle, FVB Chief Executive, Mr. Sitiveni Yaqona said that all of the appointments came from within the Bureau and was a reflection of the quality of the staff.
"The past two years have been a challenging time for the Bureau. The staff must be congratulated for their efforts that have literally brought tourism back from the edge of disaster to an all time record visitor arrivals for January," said Mr. Yaqona.
Mr. Yaqona said that the replacement for Ili Matatolu was being finalised pointing towards appointing three senior marketing officers to assume defined areas of the Marketing Services Managers responsibilities.

AIR NEW ZEALAND INTRODUCES AIR PASS TO THE PACIFIC
Air New Zealand has launched an unique airpass travel opportunity to and within the South Pacific. The Airpass allows passengers to fly from Australia to New Zealand and on to a choice of five Pacific Island nations. Air New Zealand's Vice President, Australia, Paul Donovan, said the South Pacific Airpass enabled passengers to fly one airline from Auckland to up to five destinations - Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and Tahiti.
"One of the biggest problems confronting many passengers to the Pacific is actually deciding which location to visit," Mr Donovan said. "With our new South Pacific Airpass, it is now possible for passengers to hop between locations, and sample the attractions of several island nations in one holiday."
The Airpass can be purchased on a fare-only basis or as a package deal. For more information please contact Francis Mortimer on Francis.Mortimer@airnz.co.nz

AIME 2002 A "GREAT SUCCESS"
Visitor interest in Fiji as a destination for meetings, incentives and conferences is expected to increase following Fiji's successful attendance at AIME 2002 last month. Held in Melbourne, AIME is the Asia Pacific regions most influential MICE industry event and attracted close to 600 exhibitors from more than 45 destinations.
Fiji had a larger stand at the meeting and FVB Regional Director Australia, Josaia Rayawa labeled the meeting as a great success. Other Fiji operators who attended the event included Air Pacific, Outrigger Reef Resort Fiji, United Touring Company, Shangri-La Fijian Resort, Sheraton Resorts Fiji, The Warwick Fiji, Rosies, the Travel Service, Blue Lagoon Cruises and Sonaisali Island Resort. Further details can be obtained from Sala Toganivalu, Senior Marketing Officer on phone: (679) 302433, fax: (679) 302751 or e-mail: stoganivalu@fijifvb.gov.fj

DENARAU TO HOST FIJI GOLF CLASSIC TOURNAMENT
The Denarau Golf & Racquet Club will host the Fiji Golf Classic Tournament in September. The event which is expected to attract amateur golfers from around the region has been put together by Air New Zealand and the Fiji Visitors Bureau, together with Corporate Golf International and Golf Tourism Australia.
Information on the Golf package which includes return airfares, luxury twin share accommodation and cocktail reception can be obtained from Simon@golftourismaustralia.com or brwhyte@mira.net
All competitors and non-golfers will have the opportunity to share in thousands of dollars worth of prizes and giveaways.

SURVEY OF CORAL REEFS CONTINUE IN MAMANUCA
Coral Cay Conservation, an internationally known British non- profit organization is back in the country to continue a survey of endangered coral reefs. The survey which began in May, 2001 aims to monitor and assess the marine eco-system of the Mamanuca Islands and assist resort operators and traditional Fijian landowners to preserve the fragile ecosystem.

BARDOT PERFORM AT THE FIJIAN
Members of the Australian pop band, Bardot, performed live at the Shangri La Fijian Resort in February. The band were brought to the Resort by Optus Mobile Australia and Warner Music, to entertain winners of an Optus Mobile Australia competition.
The band performed live at a private function for winners of the competition. Two other Australian bands, Super Jesus and Taxi Ride, also performed live as part of the prize package for the winners.

MUSKET COVE FEATURE IN TEMPTATION ISLAND FILM
Musket Cove Island Resort will receive maximum television exposure in Australia as it features in the Channel Sevens series Temptation Island. The series was filmed recently at the newly refurbished resort, with the first episode aired in February. To maximise on the exposure, an incentive has been offered to the Australian retail and wholesale trade who aggressively sell the resort over the next month.
The prize includes a 5 night holiday at the resort for the winner and a friend, staying in a premier Beachfront Bure. The incentive in conjunction with Air Pacific and Fiji Visitors Bureau include return airfares from Australia and transfers to the island. For more information please contact Musket Cove on e-mail: musketcovefiji@is.com.fj

HIDEAWAY RESORT FAREWELLS DANCE EXPERT
French dance expert Cendrine Sayegh is leaving the Hideaway Resort after two years of working with the activities staff and Star Revue Team. Cendrine (nicknamed the French Dynamo) has spent the last two years bringing new dance and entertainment techniques to the resort.
She leaves to pursue her career in Australia. For more information please contact Hideaway Resort on e-mail: hideaway@is.com.fj

CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES INTRODUCE NEW HALF-DAY CRUISE
Captain Cook Cruises has introduced a new half-day Island lunch cruise to compliment their current range of excursions. The half-day cruise on board the luxurious MV Lady Geraldine to the Mystery Island now ensures Captain Cook Cruises cater for all holiday options.
The Mystery Island cruise departs Denarau Marina at noon and returns at 5pm. Other options offered by Captain Cook Cruises include a day trip on board the tall ship Ra Marama to seven night cruises aboard the luxury MV Reef Escape. Sailing Safaris are also offered on board the SS Spirit of the Pacific and Starlight Dinner Cruises on the Lady Geraldine.
For more information contact Captain Cook Cruises on 679 701 823 or email nadi@captaincook.com.au

BLUE LAGOON CRUISES APPOINT UK/EUROPE SALES MANAGER
Blue Lagoon Cruises have appointed Valerie May as their Sales manager responsible for the entire UK market and selected countries within Europe.
Valerie joins Blue Lagoon Cruises with a 14-year history in the international travel industry having worked for various travel agencies. She was recently Sales Manager UK/Europe with Air Pacific Ltd, during which time she gained an in-depth knowledge of tourism in Fiji.
Valerie started work on March 1, 2002 and will be based in Bristol, UK. Contact can be made through Bluelagoonuk@btopenworld.com or on Tel: 07796 141319.

SPECIALIST HOLIDAYS OPENS OFFICE IN NADI
Specialist Holidays and Sportswell Tours have opened a new Fiji inbound office. The office is located at the Arrivals Concourse at Nadi International Airport and opened on March 1st. It also brings to an end Specialist Holidays agreement with Hunts Travel.
The company can be contacted at P.O. Box 9137, Nadi Airport or on: Tel: 724 575, Fax: 724 570 or email: reservations at res@fijiholidays.com.fj, administration at inbound@fijiholidys.com.fj

MOKUSIGA APPOINTS NEW MANAGER
Mokusiga Island Resort has appointed Jackson Mar as its new Manager. Jackson Mar brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, ten of which was spent as Assistant Manager with the former Four Seasons Regent Resort on Denarau.
His appointment also coincides with the launch of Mokusiga's new website at www.mokusigas-fiji.com Mokusiga can also be contacted on email address mokusiga@is.com.fj

JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU NAMED BEST RESORT
Readers of Travel & Leisure magazine have named the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort as the best resort in Fiji and the sixth best resort in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific region.
Travel & Leisure have been conducting the “World’s Best Awards” readers poll for the past six years, which surveys thousands of subscribers on their choice for hotels, airlines, spas, cruise lines and tour operators from all over the world.
The resort is located in Savusavu on the northern island of Vanua Levu and is surrounded by lush tropical rainforests, majestic mountains and unspoiled beaches. For more information please contact e-mail: info@fijiresort.com

TURTLE ISLAND RESORT WINS AWARD
Turtle Island Resort has been named the Most Excellent Resort North America & Pacific by Conde Nast Johansens in their 2002 Awards of Excellence. The award, recognizes outstanding examples of excellence in hotels, resorts and inns in defined geographic regions.
It was one of 15 presented awards at a recent ceremony at The Dorchester in London. For more details, please contact Turtle Island Resort on e-mail: info@turtlefiji.com.au

NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR FIJI
Effective March 25, 2002, all telephone and fax numbers throughout Fiji will change from 6 to 7 digits. The new format will be 3 digits as prefix and 4 digits as suffix. The number changes will be as follows:
Central/Eastern customers (including Suva)
Customer numbers in the Central/Eastern division currently starting with 2, 3 and 4 will have digit 3 placed in front of their existing phone number.
Western customers (including Nadi)
Customer numbers in the western division currently starting with 5,6, and 7 will have digit 6 placed in front of their existing phone number.
Northern Lau Group & Rotuma Customers
Customer numbers in the Northern division, Lau Group and Rotuma currently starting with digit 8 will have digit 8 placed in front of their existing number.
Easy Tel Customers
EasyTel Customers in the Central/Eastern division with their numbers beginning with 59, will have the digit 3 in front of their current number.
Further enquiries can be obtained from the website: www.TelecomFiji.com.fj

For any further information, please contact the Fiji Visitors Bureau:

Ms Ili Matatolu
Marketing Services Manager
Email: bulanews@bulafiji.com
Telephone: (679) 302 433
Facsimile: (679) 300 970 or 300986
Website: www.BulaFiji.com

FIJI ISLANDS... The One Truly Relaxing Tropical Getaway