Kiwis are expanding their itineraries when it comes to travel to Fiji, with more New Zealanders looking past Denarau and to some of the more than 30 islands that make up the destination.
Flight Centre Travel Group New Zealand air and product manager Jen Staples says while short resort stays remain the most common, that more customers are extending their trips and combining locations, such as coupling an island stay in the Mamanucas or Yasawas with time on the mainland in Denarau or the Coral Coast.
Meanwhile, while the Mamanuca Islands remain popular, it’s seeing increased demand for Yasawa Islands resorts, says Julia Bozich, House of Travel’s head of Australia & South Pacific.
“We are also seeing more Kiwis keen to explore destinations such as Pacific Harbour, Savusavu on Vanua Levu, and Rakiraki on the northern tip of Viti Levu.”
. . . Pre & Post Stays
Denarau still dominates, however newer resorts and hotels in Wailoaloa, Nadi Bay are picking up some of the pre- and post-island stays likely due to room availability and pricing, she adds.
Tourism Fiji has welcomed this trend, with its ceo Dr Paresh Pant telling Travel Today that efforts are being made to disperse tourism to the regions. “The ultimate dream is to have tourism reach the 14 provinces of Fiji.”
The island nation is also investing in its tourism infrastructure, says Fiji’s deputy prime minister and minister of tourism and civil aviation hon Viliame Gavoka. This includes a new airport in the Yasawas. “We are not standing still, we are building, we are investing in the future,” he adds. “Opening our destination means creating opportunities ensuring tourism meets every corner.”
