North America still holds the most potential for new and returning guests, and Fiji’s national airline has already moved strategically to strengthen its presence in what it described an enormous market.
ESrevealed this at the Fijian Tourism Exchange held at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Nadi this month.
“In 2024, we will build on this by expanding our reach further into North America by exploring new direct destinations, codeshare and interline agreements,” Mr Batiweti said.
“Elevating brand visibility via robust marketing campaigns. Building loyalty among American travellers. New sponsorships to capture the strong fan-base of well-known sports teams.
“Our efforts are strengthened by the Government’s decision to negotiate an open skies Air Service Agreement with the US following a presentation to Cabinet by managing director and CEO Mr Andre Viljoen.”
Mr Batiweti said that opened up new possibilities for Fiji Airways in the US, “where we currently operate to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu in Hawai’i, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific”.
“The national airline remains committed to Australia and New Zealand which are our long-standing key source markets for tourism.
“In 2023, we introduced thrice-weekly flights to Australian capital, Canberra.
“Later this month, in partnership with the Fijian Drua, we will be operating a one-off special flight to Dunedin in New Zealand with die-hard Drua fans to cheer for the team in their match against the Highlanders on May 26.
“Fiji Airways remains the South Pacific’s main gateway to the world, with services to nine regional ports, providing consistent and seamless connections to the rest of the world. Our commitment to the region is demonstrated in the twice weekly flights to Noumea in New Caledonia introduced last year.”
