Fiji Tourist Arrivals From China Reported More Than Doubled

Text of report by news portal Fijilive website on 28 July

A Fiji-based tourism publisher has launched the second Chinese- language edition of “Explore Fiji” in China. Pacific Magazine reports that it will be distributed to major outbound tour operators and during the XXIX Olympic Games in Beijing next month.

The 28-page guide, published by Chew Publishing Co Ltd of Suva, features articles on Fijian culture, history and contemporary lifestyle and has special focus on eco-tourism, weddings, cruises and other information specifically targeting Chinese tourists.

“The release of ‘Explore Fiji’ Chinese edition no. 2 is timely as it provides an excellent opportunity to boost awareness of Fiji as a holiday destination to worldwide Chinese readers, participants, fans and holidaymakers attending the Olympic Games (8-24 August). In addition, our publication will enjoy continued distribution at various travel, trade, and consumer and cultural shows across China, including the China International Travel Mart (CITM), Asia’s largest professional travel expo in Shanghai in November,” said Connie Chew, the company’s publisher.

Cherrill Watson, Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau’s director of marketing, said: “Visitor arrivals from China have grown significantly since Fiji first entered the market and gained approved destination status in 2005 and we have now recorded approximately 10,245 for the last 12 months.

“To achieve this 124 per cent growth, the Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau works closely with key partners and one significant partnership is with ‘Explore Fiji’, the quality publication with a substantial readership.”

All editorial content is written in simplified Chinese and advertisements are in English. Ten thousand copies have been printed in China specifically for the Chinese market.

Originally published by Fijilive website, Suva, in English 28 Jul 08.

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