Will go ahead in 2014 with or without Tourism Fiji
Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange Closing Party.
Report: eTravel Blackboard
Photos: Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange Closing Party by eTravel Blackboard
The 2013 Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange, hosted by InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, ended with sellers and buyers declaring the event the best ever. Not only for business, but also because of the venue.
There was also general consensus among senior and influential members of both buyers and sellers that Tourism Fiji’s decision not to support or be involved in BFTE was very unfortunate and viewed by many as short sighted.
BFTE organising committee chair David Voss also said that Tourism Fiji’s absence had not really been noticed or made any difference to the event.
In fact it had probably had been a factor in the outstanding success of the 2013 event, with the event being removed from the inevitable politics Tourism Fiji’s presence would bring with it.
He added that the outstanding success of BFTE 2013 had clearly identified BFTE as a trade driven and demanded event predominantly for Fiji, but also across the Pacific.
On that basis, irrespective of what Tourism Fiji decided, BFTE 2014 would go ahead without question as planned, with the venue to be announced shortly.
He also added how strange it seemed to have all other Pacific Island national tourism offices at BFTE but not the host country Fiji’s.
Mr Voss said that BFTE is offering unrivalled networking opportunities, showcasing the best of tourism in Fiji.
He said that the 2013 Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange exposed key industry partners and buyers from all over the world to some of Fiji’s top and exciting tourism offerings.
TOURISM FIJI VIEW
Tourism Fiji had announced that it will not be participating in the Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange (BFTE) this year.
Chief executive, Rick Hamilton, said Tourism Fiji is of the view that it cannot support the event in its current format.
“Competing Pacific islands are invited to participate to showcase their offering, conduct contract talks, network and try to win business against Fiji,” he said.
“The role of Tourism Fiji is to support tourism in Fiji globally.
“We go to great lengths to achieve this, with a focus on building tourism visitations and achieving a strong return on our investment on behalf of our Government and the community.”
Mr Hamilton said most of these other island nations have their own shows where they can promote themselves.
“We believe Fiji is in a strong position to stand alone at its own dedicated event,” he said.
“This would allow us to showcase what makes us special and unique and an unforgettable tourism experience.”
Mr Hamilton said resorts from all over Fiji attend Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange each year.
“It is their opportunity to network with buyers from around the world,” he said.
“We believe it is difficult enough to win business with local competition, let alone have to compete in this forum against the rest of the South Pacific in their own country.”