February 2006

The Travel Bug - Issue 12

Fiji's Pacific Blue Wings On

With just over a year since beginning its operations in Fiji, Pacific Blue's capacity for its Fiji routes has doubled. In a PACNEWS report, Virgin Blue's Head of Commercial- International, Karam Chand said that that Pacific Blue airline has doubled its capacity to and from Fiji in just over a year of operations. "Pacific Blue has had a remarkable impact on the Fiji tourism industry," Mr Chand said.

PACNEWS reported that following the entry of Pacific Blue, the Brisbane - Nadi market has grown by 58 percent and Melbourne - Nadi by 39 percent. "The largest market segment, Sydney - Nadi, has grown by 16 percent since Pacific Blue entered the market only three months ago." "The release of the results came as Pacific Blue announced the appointment of Air Fiji as its General Sales Agent in Fiji," Mr Chand said in the report. "We're extremely pleased that Air Fiji has agreed to work with us as our General Sales Agent in Fiji". "Fiji is one of our most important international markets and we are pleased to be able to expand our commitment to this market through our association with such a high profile partner".

The report stated that Air Fiji CEO, Sialeni Vuetaki welcomed the new arrangements. "Air Fiji is very pleased to be associated with a world renowned airline," he said. "The opportunity to represent Pacific Blue in Fiji has come at a time when Air Fiji has begun spreading its services to the Pacific region". Mr Chand said that with Air Fiji offices located all over Fiji, they would be able to transport international visitors to Fiji behind the traditional gateway airports. (Source: Fiji Times 23/12/2005)

South Pacific Village - PATA Travel Mart 2006

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation is in the process of planning and coordinating another South Pacific Village presence at the PATA Travel Mart 2006, which is scheduled for Hong Kong between 12th and 15th September 2006. Based on a understanding between PATA and SPTO, as total space of 54 square meters have been pre-allocated for the South Pacific Village and this is based on the region’s participation at the PTM 2005 in Kuala Lumpur.

Under SPTO, the cost of the space allocated for the Pacific Village is offered at PATA member’s rate and in addition, there is a 5% loyalty discount currently offered, which is valid only until end of March. Therefore, SPTO would like to request member countries for their interests and confirmation to participate at PTM 2006 before Friday 24th February 2006. This deadline of 24th February will also enable SPTO to negotiate a larger space should there be more interests from members to participate at this year’s PTM 2005. As clearly stated by PATA, the current allocated space of 54 square meters only caters for 7 sellers (6 compnaies/NTOs and SPTO).

There will be six sets of appointments with buyers. Therefore, SPTO would appreciate early confirmation of interests so that all the necessary arrangements and negotiations can be done on time to capitalize of the special rates and discounts. [If you are interested to participate at the PTM 2006 and be part of the South Pacific Village or require further information on the planning of the event, please contact Marketing Coordinator, Andrew Nihopara, Phone: (679) 330 4177 Fax: (679) 330 1995 Email: anihopara(at)spto.org)

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