By SHEIK DEAN
After visiting our shores in 2012, Ukrainian national, Oleksandra Golovehenko made up her mind to return.
But only this time, she was determined to promote Fiji to European countries.
With the help of Lautoka Chamber of Commerce, Ms Golovehenko has successfully registered a travel agency.
She noticed that during her visit in 2012, she did not meet or come across any Russian tourists.
“We do not need a visa to travel to Fiji but to other countries it’s very hard to obtain one. I was amazed by the friendly people and warm weather and decided to set up a travel agency called Fiji Time Travel,” said Ms Golovehenko.
The upcoming Rugby World Cup 7s in Moscow is a platform Ms Golovehenko is taking advantage of.
She said those who wish to travel to Moscow can opt for the travel package which includes courtesy transfers and six nights stay at a luxury hotel.
“We have 30 confirmed bookings and expecting another 100 bookings as per our clients who have shown interest as the package provides for an excursion trip around Moscow.”
Ms Golovehenko added that additional charges will apply for tickets for the Moscow 7s.
Ms Golovehenko is an accredited Russian, German and Ukrainian translator with a Masters Degree in Translation from Kyrovohrad State Pedagogical University Ukraine.
Lautoka Chamber of Commerce Administrator Salim Mohammed said the chamber was honored to provide a helping hand in promoting the tourism industry.