Fiji’s Government confirmed that domestic travel within Fiji can resume as on May 29, 2020. As a result, Tourism Fiji has progressed into Stage Two of their Market Re-entry Plan. Tourism Fiji has developed its market re-entry plan to coordinate an aligned return to market across all its international destinations in the wake of COVID19. Until now in Stage One of the Market Re-entry Model Tourism Fiji has been focused on staying in the hearts and minds of consumers though its “Sota Tale” messaging.
However, as the destination enters Stage Two the organisation’s marketing message has now changed to “Our ‘Bula Spirit’ awaits you.”
Matthew Stoeckel, CEO, Tourism Fiji said, “It is an optimistic message that will rebuild consumer confidence and anticipation of a holiday to Fiji. What I like about it the most is that it focuses on what makes Fiji so special—our people. It’s part of Tourism Fiji’s four stages to market re-entry that the organisation is implementing to return the destination to the world. In Stage One, it was all about inspiring travellers to dream about a trip to Fiji. Now, as we transition to Stage Two, it is all about giving travellers reasons to choose Fiji for their next holiday and giving them the confidence to start planning for it.”
To drive this message, Tourism Fiji is launching a range of digital initiatives, which includes a ‘Bula Series’ that is airing across all social media channels, along with their own positive news segment called “Happy Hour TV”, which both bring to life Fiji’s “Bula Spirit” that the destination is world re-known for.
Sunil Menon, Country Manager India, Tourism Fiji said, “Indians are known for their passion to travel and post lockdown would certainly look at exploring destinations like Fiji with nature at its best. Fiji’s Bula Spirit is one of inclusiveness, friendliness and solidarity. Even during these challenging times, we have seen Fiji’s people with genuine ‘Bula’ smiles, staying resilient and helping their communities. I am sure this emotion resonates with the Indians as it does with the Fijians. We are aiming to share all this with our Indian travellers through our online channels to give them a virtual experience of what awaits them on their next trip to Fiji. I am confident the indomitable spirit of Indians and their resilience will surely reflect when they reciprocate wholeheartedly to spread the Bula Spirit.”
Tourism Fiji has also provided a platform for its industry partners to participate directly in activities around the new messaging and encourage them to adopt is within their own promotions.
Stoeckel said, “We are confident that our new message will resonate with our visitors, as its genuine and real. Despite all the challenges being faced as a result of COVID19, the “Bula Spirit” is alive and well and awaiting travellers on their next visit to Fiji.”
