Fiji, Paradise Calling

Fiji: A destination romanticised and immortalised by being repeatedly featured in the legendary movie series Blue Lagoon. A land which truly deserves to be called paradise on earth. A people so happy. A natural setting pristine and picture postcard perfect. Sun-kissed islands bathed in greenery offering a rare kaleidoscope of arts, crafts, culture, rituals, cuisines and out of the world experiences. “Fiji fits with what many Indians are looking for – rare and new. In addition, Fiji Airways’ attempt to partner with other airlines to make travel to Fiji seamless has worked best,”
says Karan Anand, Head, Relationships, Cox & Kings Ltd.

Fiji isn’t too good to be true. It does exist. A magical reality with a sizeable ethnic-Indian population and apparent similarities in cuisine and culture, Fiji is the perfect holiday spot for those Indian travellers who would want a taste of home no matter how far they go. All that’s left to say then is Bula Happiness!

In August, Fiji launched its ‘Bula Happiness’ campaign in India featuring Illeana’s experiences during her visit, highlighting some of the best places and activities in Fiji at the Tourism Fiji Roadshow, held across all major cities in India.

Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources, Government of Fiji, says, “Fiji and India share an age-old connection with over 40 per cent of Fiji’s population of Indian origin. We celebrate Indian festivals such as Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi in Fiji too. Now tourism is fast becoming a key point of connection for both countries. With Ileana D’Cruz as our brand ambassador, we hope to get more Indians to come and experience the diverse and refreshing culture of our island country.”

According to the Asian Development Bank, tourist arrivals in Fiji increased by 38.5 per cent in the 10 years between 2005 and 2015. The monthly visitor arrivals exceeded the 95,000 mark for the first time in July 2018. The 95,061 visitor arrival number was 5.5 per cent higher than the previous record of 90,108 set a year ago. There was an increase in visitors from New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Canada, China and South Korea.Numbers from US and UK, however, showed a decline. Fiji got 76 per cent visitors on holiday. Ten per cent came to visit their friends or relatives, three per cent for business purposes, while 10.2 per cent visited Fiji for other reasons. Tourism has become Fiji’s largest source of foreign exchange earnings and the force that powers infrastructure development, sustainability and conservation efforts.

While delivering the opening address at an event at Nadi recently, Fijian President Jioji Konrote said 47 per cent of the Fijian government’s allocation of 99.3 million Fijian dollars (about $47.2 million) announced in the 2018-2019 National Budget for the ministries of industry, trade and tourism, was allocated exclusively to tourism to foster sustainable development.

Fiji being a long-haul destination, a majority of the visitors travelling from India belong to the high-income group, thus making the latter one of the island country’s high-yielding markets.

Tourism Fiji announced Ileana D’Cruz as its brand ambassador for India in March 2018. Following a successful collaboration with the Bollywood celebrity in 2017, Tourism Fiji aims to showcase more of its offerings to potential travellers from India through new engagements with D’Cruz. As part of this engagement, D’Cruz travelled to Fiji in April this year to experience a wide range of activities. Her social media posts on Fiji have gone viral since then.

India is a key emerging market for Fiji and it has been registering a steady growth of 16 per cent in visitor arrival numbers over the past five years. Adds Seema Kadam, Country Manager – India, Tourism Fiji, “India holds potential for us as far as tourism is concerned and a lot of focus is driven towards the growth of the market. For the year 2017, we had 5183 arrivals to Fiji from India showing a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period the previous year. During the first quarter of this year, we recorded a rapid growth of 27.8 per cent as compared to 2017, making India one of the fastest growing tourism source markets for Fiji.”

The average length of stay of an Indian traveller in Fiji is 5-6 nights. Tourism Fiji wants to showcase Fiji as an experiential destination to various segments like honeymooners and couples, apart from promoting MICE, young adventurers, groups and the family travel segment from India.

Fiji’s population of about 8,37,000 is made up of indigenous Fijians, Indians, Chinese, Europeans and other South Pacific Islanders. English is the official language with Fijian and Hindustani also widely spoken. With over 333 islands to choose from, Fiji is the ideal getaway for families, couples, adrenalin seekers and ocean lovers.

GETTING THERE

Fiji may seem far away, but getting there from India is fairly easy. Fiji Airways flies five times a week, on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, from Hong Kong (ex-Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata with airline partners) to Nadi International Airport on the island of Viti Levu, the main gateway to the country.

The airlines also operates three times a week from Singapore, directly to Nadi. Several airlines have direct flights from Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) and New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington). Korean Air has three weekly flights to Fiji via Seoul. Domestic airports are scattered throughout the islands.

“We are focused on developing arrivals from India on direct Fiji Airways flights from Singapore and Hong Kong to Nadi and also welcoming travellers adding on Fiji to their Australia or New Zealand holidays,” says Sajid Khan, Country Manager – India, Fiji Airways. “Fiji Airways’ code-share partnership with Jet Airways further makes travelling to Fiji hassle-free from various cities in India via Singapore or Hong Kong.”

A four-month visa is automatically granted on arrival, free-of-cost, to Indian visitors. Australia and New Zealand are still top performing markets due to the proximity. Fiji also sees good visitor arrivals from the US as Fiji Airways operates direct flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

ACCOMMODATION

Whether it is honeymooners, a family prefering a kid-friendly getaway, backpackers or a hardcore diver who wants to see the finest coral reefs in the world, there’s a place for everyone. There are affordable hostels and island resorts that offer eco-tours. Or try a village homestay. Best Western, Double Tree by Hilton, Sheraton, Sofitel, Radisson Blu, Marriott, Westin, Namale, Hilton, Shangri-La and Intercontinental have fabulous properties in Fiji.

LOCAL TRAVEL

Getting around Fiji is easy and cheap. A good network of buses, carriers (trucks) and ferries within Fiji’s main islands and taxis are common. Hiring a car is a good way to explore the two largest islands – which contain 90 per cent of Fiji’s roads, or charter a boat or small plane to get between islands. Fiji is well-served by two domestic airlines which operate between many of the islands, although services are less regular to the outer islands. Yachting and cruising are also great ways to explore the country.

WHEN TO VISIT

Fiji is a year-round destination though the most popular time to visit is between late March and early December. Humidity drops during the winter months (May – October) so activities outside are more pleasant. Fiji’s tourist season usually peaks in June and July. Temperatures climb during the summer months of November to April and the brief afternoon downpours are the perfect respite from the heat. With pleasant water temperature all year round (27°C), ocean activities like swimming, snorkelling and diving can be enjoyed in every season.
Scuba divers enjoy increased visibility around coral reefs during the winter. Temperatures during winter months range from 19° to 29°C and in summer (December – March), from 22° to 33°C.

WEDDINGS

There’s a reason so many newly-weds and about-to-be-weds flock to Fiji to celebrate their love. With glistening white beaches, lush rainforests and countless hideaway spots, this is one of the most romantic places on earth. Many resorts offer great wedding or honeymoon packages to take the pressure off self-planning. Fiji is the ideal place to start lives together whether one’s looking for a wedding venue or somewhere to honeymoon. Fiji is famous for its beachside ceremonies, providing the ultimate backdrop of white sand, blue ocean and stunning green islands. Wedding chapels, luxury yachts, cruise liners, exotic gardens, and thick rainforests with waterfalls and singing tropical birds offer alternate settings. Fiji has a number of professional wedding co-ordinators who can customise the ceremony to a couple’s needs.

CONFERENCES & INCENTIVES

With quality venues, spectacular weather and an abundance of things to do, Fiji is the ultimate destination for a conference or meeting. From small island getaways to international-style mainland resorts, from ‘bures’ on the beach to deluxe hotel suites, Fiji has every conference and incentive’s needs covered, no matter the budget or group size. Tourism Fiji has formed the Conference/Incentive Advisory Group (CIAG) with private companies interested in joining forces to attract and further develop the MICE market into Fiji.
There are different options available – stay at of one of Fiji’s many majestic five-star resorts, enjoying the luxurious beauty of their surroundings while taking advantage of all the modern amenities, or charter a yacht for a four-day conference, stopping at some of Fiji’s many deserted white-sand, palm-studded coral isles. When the team is done meeting for the day, there are so many things to do they won’t know where to start. From snorkelling, white water rafting and kayaking to bush walks, golf and cultural centres, Fiji has an endless offering of activities to keep teams entertained. Fiji is fun and vibrant, with world-class accommodation and conference facilities. The weather is superb, the people are friendly and the environment is like no other.

GOLF

There is no trouble finding a golf course in Fiji. There are 14 scattered throughout the islands, with three championship courses on the main island, Viti Levu, and many smaller courses elsewhere. Golf is played widely in Fiji, and the country has produced one of the world’s top golfers, Vijay Singh. The former world number one and Hall of Fame inductee was born in Lautoka on the main island.
With Indian golfer Ganganjeet Bhullar winning the Fiji International Golf Tournament this year, Golf Tourism from India is another segment Tourism Fiji is looking to tap into. For the ultimate, world-class golfing experience, Viti Levu has three spectacular 18-hole, 72-par championship courses.
The Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is one of Fiji’s best, located on the South West coast of the island and offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, along with excellent facilities. This stunning course is the home of the annual Fiji International golf tournament presented by Fiji Airways.
Less than an hour away in Nadi, is the Denarau Golf Club, a challenging and beautiful course with long, open fairways and several water hazards.
For those on a budget and looking for a more affordable tee, the Pearl South Pacific Championship Golf Course offers a challenging, adventurous course surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
To mingle with the locals and play the game, try Fiji Golf Club in Suva – popular with residents, as it has long, flat fairways with less vegetation. If short game is what one’s after, Novotel Nadi Executive Golf Course has a challenging, nine-hole course set on a steep slope.
Another nine-hole option is the newly-extended Shangri La’s Fijian course, the only one in Fiji with Tifton Dwarf grass greens.

FAMILIES

For an unforgettable family holiday filled with sunshine, wonder and adventure, Fiji is the ultimate destination. With incredible wildlife, stunning beaches and a huge range of adventure activities, Fiji is really one big playground adults and kids will adore.

Discover Fiji’s unique marine life by snorkelling or scuba diving in some of the many excellent dive spots. Jet skiing and kayaking are a great way to experience some on-water adventure, and Fiji’s long, sandy, white beaches are great for kids to run, swim and build sand castles to their hearts’ content.

If soaking up nature makes a great family holiday, Fiji is epic. From brilliant bird life to breath-taking waterfalls and lush forests, there are endless opportunities to immerse in one of the world’s most beautiful natural environments.
Finding family-friendly accommodation in Fiji isn’t hard, and many resorts offer childcare facilities. On top of that, Fiji’s relatively small size means getting around is easy, so squeezing more activities into each day is easy.

For the perfect holiday, guests can choose to unwind in one of Fiji’s world-class spas and beaches or indulge in the many activities and experiences that the island country has to offer. Whatever it is that one is looking for, they are certain to find it in Fiji! And all one can say is Vinaka, the traditional ‘thank you’.

Ileana’s Itinerary

Day 1: The J Hunter Pearls farm in picturesque Savusavu bay produces some of the world’s most sought-after pearls. Undertake an exclusive farm tour and learn more about how these rare, multi-coloured beauties are made
Day 2: Namale Resort’s gorgeous grounds are the ideal setting for some Rest & Relaxation. Engage in some early morning yoga and later head out for an energising hike and waterfall picnic. Call it a day with snorkelling at Split Rock
Day 3: Deep dive into Beqa Lagoon blues and get up close and personal with friendly Fijian sharks in an exhilarating cage-free dive
Day 4: Surf, subwings and sea scooters are the stars of the day’s programme. Test drive these cool water toys at spectacular Natadola beach
Day 5: Start the day with a heart-thumping freefall over Denarau Island with Skydive Fiji. Chase more thrills and follow up with an off-road quad-biking adventure on Nadi’s rural roads
Day 6: Wrap up an action-packed week with curated cocktails, delicious canapes, and a private party at chic Malamala Beach Club

BASIC ITINERARIES

Itinerary 1

4 nights Mamanuca Islands + 2/3 nights Denarau Island
Recommend visit to Monuriki Island. Tom Hanks starrer Castaway was shot here
For honeymooners, recommend the sunset dinner cruise

Itinerary 2

3 nights Beqa Lagoon + 3 nights Coral Coast
Suggest Sigatoka River Safari and sand dunes at Coral Coast
Cave Safari/MomiBay Zip Lining

Itinerary 3

4 nights Savusavu + 2/3 nights Denarau Island
Visit J Hunter Pearl farm in Savusavu

ISLANDS OF FANTASY

Viti Levu– The largest island and home to Nadi International Airport. Check out fire walking at Coco Palms, Garden of the Sleeping Giants and SkyDive Fiji.
Denarau Island – Connected to the mainland by a short causeway, Denarau boasts eight large resorts, stunning beaches and an 18-hole championship golf course.
Mamanuca Islands – The closest islands to Nadi International Airport. Perfect for water sports, from family-friendly snorkelling to discovering famous dive sites, or riding one of the best surf breaks in the world.
Yasawa Islands – With gorgeous beaches, soaring peaks, abundant sunshine and a range of backpacker resorts, this is the place to come for an affordable retreat.
Coral Coast – An 80 km stretch of brilliant white beaches and secluded bays along the southern shores of Viti Levu, Coral Coast is a beachcomber’s dream come true.
Vanua Levu – Fiji’s second largest island is less touristic and ideal for the adventure junkie.
Check out the untouched rainforests of the Wasali Nature Reserve and dive deep to discover the magnificent soft corals off the coast.
Taveuni – Called Garden Island, Taveuni is an eco-tourist’s delight. Check out Bouma National Heritage Park and the marine park at Waitabu, home to world-renowned dive sites such as Eel Reef and the Great White Wall.
Pacific Harbour / Beqa – The adventure capital of Fiji. Swim with sharks or head off-road on a four-wheel drive tour.
Suva – Fiji’s capital and largest city, is one of the most cosmopolitan centres of the Pacific with its parks, museums and a vibrant nightlife.
Lomaiviti Group – Off the Eastern coast of Viti Levu, the islands are home to the historical port town of Levuka, Fiji’s first capital and now a UNESCO® World Heritage Site.
Kadavu – With just one town and few roads, it is the perfect place to immerse in Fiji’s incredible culture. Renowned for world-famous diving spot, the Great Astrolabe Reef.
Sun Coast – Fiji’s sugar country is dotted with sugar cane fields, rural villages and market towns.
Lau Group – The Fiji not seen by many tourists, life here is simple, with no restaurants and only three islands that have accommodation for visitors.

Adventures Galore

For the adventurous, the archipelago has no dearth of experiences on sea, underwater, land and air. With so much to see and do, try and taste, learn and experience, Fiji can keep the mildly inquisitive to the flat out adventurous active from dawn until dusk.

WHAT TO DO?

Canoeing & kayaking; cycling; fishing; horse riding; jet boating; jet skiing; kite surfing; off-road driving; paragliding; parasailing; rafting; diving; scuba diving and snorkelling.

DIVING

Dubbed the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’, Fiji’s flamboyant coral reefs boast a diversity of habitat and marine life that even dive greats call paradise.The maze of brilliant coral reefs surrounding the islands include the ‘Great Sea Reef’ and the ‘Great Astrolabe Reef’; some of the longest coral reefs in the world.World-class dive sites and an abundance of PADI or SSI-affiliated dive operators are scattered throughout Fiji’s main dive regions.

Over 1000 species of fish and several hundred types of corals and sponges blooming with flower-like beauty await to be discovered beneath the waves.

Whether tourists crave the adrenaline of a heart-pumping shark dive, are keen to explore famous sites like the ‘Great White Wall’, or log their next dive adventure on a liveaboard, diving in Fiji is well-worth the plane ticket.

MAIN DIVE REGIONS ON VITI LEVU

Some of Fiji’s best dive regions are just a car ride away from Nadi International Airport.

Pacific Harbour & Beqa Lagoon
The Lagoon is world-renowned for its shark dives. This shallow lagoon teems with marine life. The Lagoon can be easily accessed from Viti Levu – particularly from Pacific Harbour, the Coral Coast as well as offshore Beqa Island. Adventurous activities like rafting, zip-lining and off-road expeditions are plentiful in these regions.

Sun Coast – Rakiraki

A two and a half hour drive north of Nadi, diving off Rakiraki is one of Fiji’s best kept secrets. Sun Coast promises pristine reefs and over 50 dive sites in the Bligh Waters and Vatu-i-Ra Passage. The area is also known for great hiking, deep sea fishing and seasonal kite-boarding and windsurfing.

OFF VITI LEVU

Many world-famous dive sites are found off Viti Levu, accessible only by flight or ferry transport.

Taveuni – Somosomo Strait

The Somosomo Strait separates Vanua Levu from Taveuni in North-East Fiji. This body of water is home to the ‘Rainbow Reef’ with two dozen dive sites including the famed ‘Great White Wall’; a world ‘Top Ten’ dive site. Bird-watching, waterfall hopping and trekking are popular pastimes on Taveuni.

Bligh Waters & The Koro Sea

The nutrient-rich Bligh Waters and Koro Sea attract numerous schools of fish and larger predators. Large marine mammals like humpback whales pass through from July – October for breeding and calving. The stronger current is more suitable for intermediate and experienced divers. The best way to see these sites are on dive liveaboards although some resorts exist on Wakaya and other islands in the Lomaiviti group. Sensational diving in Namena Island’s Marine Reserve can also be accessed from resorts in Savusavu.

Kadavu

On the doorstep of the Great Astrolabe Reef, breathtaking dive sites around Kadavu are regularly visited by mantas, pilot whales (April-May) and oceanic hammerheads (July-August).

SURFING

While most of Fiji’s waves break onto the reef and are therefore better for the more experienced surfer, surf schools and beach breaks are also available for keen learners and rookies.

Fiji is best known in the surfing world for the iconic Cloudbreak. Attracting scores of surfers each year, even the pros flock to Fiji to surf the incredible 20 foot super swells. Surfing is possible year-round but best between the months of April and October when consistent swells as high as 8-10 feet roll in.

Hiring boards or buying equipment and clothing is super simple; you can even invest in an authentic Fiji surf board designed and hand crafted on the islands, blending traditional carving methods with modern technologies.

Windsurfers and kiteboarders alike also love holidaying in Fiji. Stand up paddle surfing is also popular. The warm 15-30 knot south-easterly trade winds blow best and most consistently from April to January and the sandy shallow beach slopes dotting the country are perfect for all levels to take off from.

CRUISING & SAILING

Part of what makes Fiji unique is its many groups of islands, each with its own culture, identity and attractions, and cruising is one of the best ways to get around them.

The Mamanucas have a huge range of world-class resorts and activities if staying reasonably close to the mainland Viti Levu is important. Cruising these islands and ‘resort hopping’ is ideal for sociable types who love keeping busy and interacting with others.

If a more laidback experience is what one prefers, the nearby Yasawas are less developed but just as beautiful, giving the opportunity to learn about Fijian culture and lifestyle with villages dotted throughout the group.

The Lau group of islands in Fiji’s far east offer a serenely untouched vista of exotic bays and safe harbours where locals live as they did before Fiji was discovered by Europeans. Special permission is required to visit this group.

Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu, is a popular cruising destination, containing the small community of Savusavu and a range of resorts in relatively close proximity.

For a taste of what life was like in Fiji’s colonial days, cruise around Ovalau Island and visit Levuka, the country’s first capital. Nearby, the islands of Gau, Batiki and Nairai are virtually untouched, consisting mainly of villages.

To experience Fiji’s truly pristine environment, cruising through Kadavu is a must. The fourth-largest island in the group, Kadavu is remarkably untouched, containing a mixture of volcanic peaks and magnificent rainforests which sweep down to the water’s edge.

If that isn’t enough, continue on through Taveuni, the Garden Island of Fiji, where everything is a brilliant, vibrant green. The island has fabulous waterfalls in national parks, lush rainforests filled with birdlife and beautiful mountain treks.

THINK FIJI FOR MULTI-ETHNIC CUISINE

Fiji’s top-class restaurants offer truly multi-ethnic foods, including cuisine from Fiji, India, China, Europe, Japan, Korea and the Americas as well as the best of Australia, New Zealand and the local South Pacific.

A ‘must try’ is a traditional Lovo; a feast of succulent meats, coconut-infused greens and tasty root crops baked to perfection in an earth oven. Food is carefully wrapped in banana leaves and placed over hot stones before being covered with earth to cook for many hours. Outside of resort areas, the streets of urban Fiji are dotted with restaurants that offer local Fijian food as well as Indian, Chinese, Thai and other continental fare. One of the key decision-drivers for Indians selecting a holiday destination is Indian food. Owing to the fact that close to a third of Fiji’s population is of Indian origin, this is well catered to.

Also sample some of the sweetest pineapples, bananas bursting with flavour and seasonal mangos.

Check out the national drink kava. Dried and pounded roots of the kava plant are mixed with clean, fresh rainwater, and shared as a symbol of acceptance and friendship. Presented in a coconut shell cup (known as a bilo), kava drinking is an integral part of the culture.

MATAI HAPPINESS SPECIALISTS

‘Matai’ in Fijian means to be knowledgeable or to be an expert in something. Matai Happiness Specialists are accredited travel agents from all over the world who have in-depth knowledge and experience of Fiji to help plan and book a holiday. There are 19 Matai Happiness Specialists in India.

CULTURE & HERITAGE

The inhabitants of modern Fiji are of indigenous Fijian background, as well as of Indian, Chinese and European ancestry. Indigenous culture is an active part of everyday life for the happy folk that live here. The unique blend of cultures can be seen in every aspect be it food, festivals, rituals and the arts.

Various crafts give Fijians a unique identity that, along with traditional etiquette and local architecture, tells a story of their culture and its evolution over time. Historical artefacts and documents that depict this story are displayed within museums and protected as National Heritage Sites.

One such site is the first colonial capital of Fiji, Levuka, symbolising a period of influence on the country’s development, deemed so significant to the region, this quaint little port town and her buildings were proudly protected under UNESCO® World Heritage Site listing in 2013.