Flight Centre Travel group NSW/ACT event manager, Rebecca Cushing, Jack’s of Fiji at their booth during the Fijian Tourism Expo at Denarau Island Convention Centre yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
LITIA MATHEWSELL
Nadi
The variety of services showcased at the inaugural Fijian Tourism Expo was commended by industry buyers who flew in for the three-day event which ended last night.
Aside from accommodation properties and travel operators, the three-day expo also highlighted local niche markets and Fijian Made products.
Live services displayed included a Fijian Made village featuring artisans and crafts people at work, and their Fijian-made certified ware. Barista and chef competitions also shed light on local culinary talent and wowed expo participants.
“This is my first time to the event and an opportunity to build my contacts and I think it’s been well set out,” said Rebecca Cushing, the NSW and ACT Events manager for the Sydney-based Flight Centre Travel Group.
“Everybody is working really hard to provide really good service, with lots of contacts with sellers.
“Because I look after events, there’s a lot of different events I could do here; conferences, things like that, so I’m taking a lot out of it.”
Ms Cushing feels the expo has showcased Fijian products really well especially on Wednesday night when they went down to the Port Denarau Marina.
“We had the opportunity to experience the boats. It was a really good showcase of Fiji’s products,” she said.
Meike Lang, the Product Manager for the Munich-based Pacific Travel House, said it was her first time to participate in such an event and praised its benefits, particularly for local tourism.
“There are a lot of people to meet, to get a lot of information about the different products and it’s been absolutely worthwhile coming over,” he said.
“We are already selling Fiji and this should be a regular event- absolutely.”
Feedback: rachnal@fijisun.com.fj