Tourism Fiji, in partnership with Fiji Airways, recently organized its inaugural in-person talanoa session for tourism operators in the Coral Coast since the country reopened its borders following the COVID-19 pandemic. The event, held at the Warwick Fiji Resort, saw participation from approximately 30 key stakeholders, including partners from Pacific Harbour and international trade officials from Australia and New Zealand.
The session was designed to facilitate open discussions about the ongoing challenges within the Coral Coast tourism sector and to devise collaborative strategies for sustainable growth. Tourism Fiji underscored the importance of understanding visitor arrival trends, which have begun to stabilize across critical markets. A primary focus of the discussions was the seasonal nature of tourism, particularly the revival of shoulder and low seasons, alongside the necessity for coordinated marketing campaigns to boost demand during these periods.
Attendees, including operators and trade partners, explored methods to improve global visibility while ensuring that product offerings align with market requirements. This approach aims to enhance the Coral Coast’s overall attractiveness as a destination. Dr. Paresh Pant, CEO of Tourism Fiji, highlighted the importance of these talanoa sessions in grounding national tourism strategies in the actual experiences of industry stakeholders.
“These talanoa sessions allow us to listen directly to our industry partners, understand the challenges they are facing on the ground, and work together on practical solutions,” Dr. Pant remarked. He emphasized the critical need for collaboration as market conditions adjust, especially regarding well-organized campaigns that address seasonal variations and support the long-term sustainability of Fiji’s tourism sector.
The insights garnered from this session are expected to shape future marketing strategies and initiatives aimed at stimulating demand while fostering sustainable tourism growth across Fiji. The presence of prominent industry figures, including regional directors, chief marketing officers, and representatives from travel agencies such as Fusion Holidays, Ignite Travel, and House of Travel, reflects a unified commitment to revitalize the tourism sector in the Coral Coast region. This collaborative effort reinforces the potential for the area to thrive as a premier tourist destination, benefiting both local communities and the broader economy.