Captain Cook Cruises 40th Birthday Sale

Visit the remote villages of the ‘real’ Fiji, secluded tropical islands and pristine beaches on Captain Cook Cruises 4, 5 and 8 night Fiji cruise and accommodation packages.

Offering a truly cultural experience passenger will visit unspoilt Fijian villages, churches, schools and handicraft markets, take part in a traditional village sevusevu ceremony and Meke and Lovo feast, discover secluded islands, snorkel over amazing coral reefs, laze on warm white sandy beaches and swim in crystal clear waters.

The 4 night package starts from $769 per person, normally $1270, the 5-night package from $969 per person, normally from $1670 and the 8-night package from $1569 per person, normally $2730. All prices include one night’s accommodation in Nadi pre or post cruise.

The seven night Northern Fijian Dateline Cruise is an amazing cruise that reveals the unique history, art and culture of the Northern Fiji Islands and allows passengers the ultimate experience of standing’ on the International Dateline.

2010 departure dates are: 4th May, 1st June, 3rd August, 7th September, 5th October and 2nd November.

The 8-night Northern Fijian Dateline Cruise package including one night’s accommodation in Nadi pre or post cruise is priced from $1569 per person, normally $2730.

All cruises include meals, accommodation, most tours and all onboard facilities and entertainment.

MORE

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

The opening of the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa on Natadola Beach in June inaugurated a new chapter in tourism for the South Pacific nation.

Spread across 35 acres of tropical gardens, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is the sole destination resort on Natadola Beach. It is the only stretch of natural, white sand beach on Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. 

Forbes Magazine voted Natadola as one of the 25 beaches in the world in 2008, praising its aqua-blue ocean facing lagoon.

General Manager Neil Houghton said the new resort offered convenience, exclusivity and luxury at affordable prices.

“Before the opening of the InterContinental Resort, visitors to Fiji had to travel to the outer islands to find the archipelago’s beautiful beaches, which can add up to a couple of days of travel to the journey.

“InterContinental Fiji brings that authentic Fijian outer-island experience to the mainland. This is a pristine location that the property will protect, celebrate and share with the world,” he said.

A true destination resort, InterContinental Fiji has been created to provide a luxurious pacific retreat for discerning travellers seeking more than just a beachside getaway.

From the overall design and layout of the resort itself through to the smallest details, InterContinental Fiji is a visitor’s gateway to authentic Fijian experiences.

While the sprawling lobby has a unique ambience, the reception and check-in counters are extraordinary and exclusive.

Designed and built to enhance guest comfort and pleasure, the Resort’s rooms are spacious (the smallest is 65 Sq m) and functional. Every room has a balcony or private terrace, featuring a Cleopatra-style tub and day beds for two, and a surround sound system (BOSE), with contemporary interiors creating the understated elegance.

Lovers of Golf can tee off from the Natadola Bay, 7000 Sq Yd Golf Course. The 18-hole, par 72 is Fiji’s first international competition standard course.

With 15 of its 18 holes hugging the Coral Coast, and up to five different tee-off stages per hole, its stunning location provides a forgivable distraction to its many challenges.

Living up to its name, the Resort offers some of the finest health and wellness facilities and programmes.

Mr Houghton said the Resort’s Spa for instance, incorporated modern and traditional methods, using the fresh, local indigenous herbs and plants.

“Together with the caring touch of our qualified therapists, our wide range of spa experiences offers the best of the island’s environment and hospitality. 

“The Spa features a Wai Water Zone, the essence of life, while pre and post treatment area offers aquatherapy with water in all three states – gas, liquid and solid.

“Access to the steam area, hydrotherapy Jacuzzi and Fiji’s first ice room is included in the price paid for treatment,” he said.

The Resort markets a number of natural products by ‘Ytsar,’ stated to have a number of healing ingriedients.

As well as ‘Planet Trekkers,’ the Resort’s Signature Club for children, the hotel offers ‘Club InterContinental,’ a resort within a resort. 

With its own Club facility including private pool and lounge area, Club InterContinental features 55 hilltop villas, many of who feature individual plunge pools and spa baths. 

“The Natadola InterContinental Hotel and Resort offers the charm of a private island, a concept that we will defend and promote.

“Since opening in June, the Resort, with its captivating design, sumptuous accommodation, creative world-class dining and commitment, InterContinental Hotel in Fiji has been delivering authentic Fijian experience and activities,

“The hotel will truly become one of the most magnificent luxury retreats in the South Pacific,” Mr Houghton said.

For more information visit www.intercontinental.com/fiji

“The World’s Friendliest Airline“.
Fiji’s National Airline, Air Pacific has launched its new brand showcasing the airline’s new tag line “The World’s Friendliest Airline”.

In the coming weeks, advertising featuring the airlines’ employees portraying the Fijian spirit, will launch.

Managing Director and CEO of Air Pacific John Campbell said that their motivation is to offer the best of Fiji to all their guests.

Campbell added that for Fiji customers travelling abroad, they do not leave Fiji until they step off the aircraft and for everyone coming into Fiji, they will make sure they feel at home the moment they step on board.

Air Pacific’s new positioning complements Tourism Fiji’s “Fiji Me” brand.

 A new vat scheme which will allow foreign passport holding departing tourists  who buy more than $500 worth of goods while in Fiji

To claim the 12.5 per cent Value Added Tax back.

The scheme will come into effect from February 1 next year.
Alongside zero duty rating on various items targeted at tourists, the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme was expected to position Fiji as a shopping hub.

Tourism Fiji chairman Patrick Wong said the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme would make Fiji an attractive shopping destination, similar to the heydays of the 1970′s.

The scheme would initially be available for tourists departing Nadi Airport and those departing by cruise vessels from Suva.
The scheme has been welcomed by the Fiji Chamber of Commerce, with its president Swani Maharaj saying such provisions would encourage tourists to spend more in Fiji.

He said the scheme was similar to that employed by Australia and New Zealand.

Tourism Fiji Launches “Ultimate Fiji Adventurer” Video Contest       
Looking for adventure and escape from another “staycation?” Tourism Fiji’s “Ultimate Fiji Adventurer” video contest, will send one talented pair on the adventure of their lives to the breathtaking South Pacific islands of Fiji.

Now through January 1, thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies can reveal their daring and creativity by submitting an original video showcasing:
· Why you are the Ultimate Fiji Adventurer, and
· Why Fiji is the ultimate adventure destination

Contestants can discover Fiji’s adventurous side by playing the Thrill Me With Adventure game before submitting a video to www.fijime.tv/videocontest, where the public can vote for their favorite entry. The top ten vote-getting videos will then be reviewed by a panel of travel experts, who will select a winner based on creativity, appeal and ability to express the contest’s theme. See FijiMe.TV/videocontest for submission instructions. For Video Contest Rules and important Do’s and Don’ts go to FijiMe.Tv/videocontestrules.

“We want to see what thrills you, so show us your adventurous side!” advises Ili Matatolu, Tourism Fiji’s Regional Director for The Americas. “And be creative, because you don’t have to go deep-sea diving to make a video that shows your passion for it. Think about what you could do with a swimming pool, disposable underwater camera, and some video clips of Fiji!”

The winning pair will receive round trip (r/t) economy airfare on Air Pacific, Fiji’s International Airline, from Los Angeles, r/t Nadi airport-resort transfers and seven nights deluxe accommodations at Sonaisali Island Resort, plus all meals daily (based on resort meal plan). In addition, FijiEscapesTravel.com, the Prize packager, will also arrange several island adventure and cultural activities.

The Thrill Me with Adventure Interactive Game and the Ultimate Fiji Adventurer Video Contest developed by Tourism Fiji’s advertising agency Marchese Communications are open to anyone 18 years of age at time of entry who is a citizen or legal resident of the US, its territories or Canada. Visit FijiMe.TV to play or find special travel offers, answers to your Fiji travel questions, or links to engage with Tourism Fiji via their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.

Known for having the world’s friendliest people, Fiji is a nation of 333 islands located in the South Pacific, and just a nine hour and 45 minute non-stop flight from Los Angeles. Travelers to Fiji enjoy not just a wide range of options for adventure, romance, relaxation and authentic island culture, but also greater buying power – the value of $1 US is nearly double in Fiji.

For royalty-free images or video clips to use in video submissions, please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/tourismfiji/. Additional information and access to Fiji’s “Matai” travel experts are also available at FijiMe.TV.

For more information regarding travel to the Fiji Islands, contact Tourism Fiji located at 5777 West Century Boulevard, Suite 220 in Los Angeles, California. The tourism board can also be contacted directly by calling (310) 568-1616, via fax at (310) 670-2318, or by email at infodesk@bulafiji-americas.com.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Visitor information is available at www.fijime.TV, the newly-re-designed website for Tourism Fiji.

FIJI TO GET MORE FLIGHTS
Fiji, Hong kong sign air services agreement

Fiji has signed an air services agreement with Hong Kong, which is expected to boost tourism and economic development.

Fijilive reports the agreement was signed on friday in Hong Kong by Foreign Affairs Minister Inoke Kubuabola.

The national flag carrier Air Pacific is expected to make its maiden flight to Hong Kong on the 17th of this month.

And next week Jetstar will also begin accepting bookings for its new Sydney-Fiji service, due to begin with four flights a week from early March.

Continental Airlines will offer new service between Honolulu and Nadi, Fiji, later this month,

Service between Honolulu and Fiji will begin Dec. 18