Tourism Fiji’s effort to attract more visitors from the Asian market took a significant step this month with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the agency, Fiji Airways and a leading global travel service provider.
The three year deal with Trip.com Group will promote Fiji as an ideal tourist destination and Tourism Fiji’s ‘Where Happiness Comes Naturally’ campaign in the Chinese market.
The MOU signed in Shanghai last week was officiated by Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill, Fiji Airways head of global marketing Christina Templin and Trip.com Group destination marketing and strategy, international public relations vice president Edison Chen.
According to Tourism Fiji, the agreement encouraged a tripartite relationship to promote Fiji as a destination through Trip.com Group’s vast marketing network.
Welcoming the MOU, Fiji Airways chief executive officer and managing director Andre Viljoen said they were excited to resume services to China through Hong Kong after three years. “Connecting with Hong Kong means connecting with the entire Asia-Pacific,” he said.
Mr Viljoen added that their flights to Hong Kong would be increasing later this year to cater for the high demand from their Asian market. Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill said this strengthened the long-standing relationship between Tourism Fiji and Trip.com Group.
“China was Fiji’s fourth largest market prior to the pandemic, our collaborative approach with trip and Fiji Airways will undoubtedly contribute to driving more visitor arrivals from the Chinese market,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ms Chen said the reopening of China’s border in January, 2023, marked an increase in outbound travel bookings and searches from the essential market over the last three months.
“We have initiated series of sales activities and campaigns to stimulate overseas travel demands in the Chinese market,” she said.
“We look forward to collaborating with Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways to leverage our resources and data insights to boost Fiji tourism development.”
