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FIJI
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Paradise in the South Pacific
F I J I
FIJI
Paradise in the South Pacific Fiji is the idea of paradise for many people. Taking in the tropical archipelago, it is easy to see why the country’s tourism industry is thriving in 2018 Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Ryan Gray
FIJI – a nation scattered within the South Pacific Ocean approximately 4,635 kilometres east of Australia. Compared to Australia, the world’s sixth largest country, Fiji couldn’t be more different. An archipelago of approximately 330 islands spread over one million square miles, of which only around a third are inhabited, the country is known for its isolation and seclusion. However, this is not to say that the country is inaccessible and desolate.
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Thanks to a growing tourism industry that has flourished in the past half century, the region now readily accommodates travellers of all kinds. Founded from a mixture of volcanic action, sedimentary deposits and coral formations, Fiji is a prime example of nature in action. Featuring coconut palms, expansive beaches and tropical summers it is easy to see why the country is renowned for its ability to provide the ideal exotic getaway. Equally, the country readily
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showcases an abundance of fascinating culture, largely owed to the vast mixture of ethnicities and histories that can be found there. Just taking a look at the different crafts on display in each village, ranging from cloths to wood carvings to canoes, it is easy to gauge that the archipelago is a far cry from modernised and digitised life where commerce is king, instead offering a laidback lifestyle.
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F I J I
The Business End
Savusavu marina and Nawi islet, Vanua Levu island, Fiji
DESPITE THE MAJORITY of its landmass being spread across a vast expanse of open water, a significant proportion of Fiji’s economy is driven by agricultural activities. As you might expect, fishing is a key segment within this, with a range of different edible species swimming close to the inhabited shores including sailfish, barracuda and tuna. Meanwhile, a range of crops are cultivated on the land. Sugar, for example, makes up approximately one third of the country’s industrial output,
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with sugar cane found in abundance across the country. Aside from the established national agricultural sector, tourism has risen to become the country’s largest source of foreign exchange. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, total direct and indirect contributions from tourism stood at 40.4 percent of GDP in 2016, supporting 119,000 jobs. Last year Fiji welcomed a record 842,844 visitors, substantially exceeding the previous record of 792,320 that was set in 2016. Moreover, this is expected to rise an additional five percent for the 12 months through 2018. With an expansive range of fivestar hotels to cost-friendly hostels, the industry serves tourists of all kinds, from backpackers to business executives, situated within reach of air travellers from the likes of Australia, New Zealand, the US and Japan.
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FACTS & FIGURES
Languages: Landmass: Population (2017): GDP (2017): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate: Highest recorded temperature:
Fijian, Fiji Hindu, English 18,275 km² 905,502 US$5.061 billion Fijian dollar GMT+13 +679 .fj Tropical 36.7°C
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Out & About FIJIANS COMMONLY USE the word bula, meaning life, as a greeting across the country. However, much like the Hawaiian use of aloha, bula is more a way of living than just a word, often referring to the culture that surrounds the country’s serene beaches and laidback atmosphere. Tourists can easily use a retreat in the archipelago to completely unwind with its white sandy beaches and yearround sunshine. However, for those looking for excitement, the country has a range of unique activities on offer. The sea is unsurprisingly a major attraction, ripe for some of the world’s best surfing, snorkelling and sailing. Meanwhile, the inland attractions are equally inspiring. Swimming at
the base of a tropical waterfall or indulging in a natural span are particularly popular, whilst jungle treks, helicopter tours and exploring nature reserves are also highly recommended by all that partake in such ventures. Choosing an island to stay on can often cause the biggest headaches for tourists, but wherever you choose, you will always be welcomed by the local people with a cup of Kava. Suva tends to be the most selected location to this end as the capital of Fiji. Located on the Viti Levu island’s southeast coast, the city features modern infrastructure and an abundance of things to do, from its 78 parks and gardens to its vibrant shopping centres.
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F I J I
Outlook Recommends “Set your internal clock to ‘Fiji time’: exploring the archipelago’s exquisite beaches, undersea marvels, lush interiors and fascinating culture shouldn’t be rushed” – Lonely Planet
THINGS TO DO
HOTELS & TRAVEL
RESTAURANTS
Rivers Fiji
Naqalia Lodge
Sazanami Wicked Walu Seafood Restaurant EcoCafe Fiji NATURE & PARKS
Cloud 9
Avis Car Rental
Koroyanitu National Heritage Park Nausori Highlands Ecotrax 6
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Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
Waisali Rainforest Reserve
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P: (679) 345-0147 M: (679) 992-2148 E: info@riversfiji.com W: www.riversfiji.com P.O. Box 307, Pacific Harbour, Fiji Islands
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F I J I
Transport Links
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year, servicing 20 airlines that connect Fiji to 14 cities internationally. Yachting and cruising are also considered to be great ways to explore the country’s many smaller islands, whilst air travel again can be the way to go for some of the more remote areas. Pacific Sun, the domestic arm of the
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PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH
AS THE MOST developed part of the country, getting around Suva itself is easy, owed to its good public transport networks, whilst equally there are extensive boating networks that enable travel between Fiji’s main islands. In and around Suva in particular, travelling by road is by far the most effective method of getting around, with an abundance of taxis and rental car services on offer. Further, there are two airports on the island of Viti Levu – Nausori Airport in the east and the more popular Nadi Airport on the west coast. Nadi Airport alone welcomes more than 1.2 million international passengers and 450,000 domestic passengers through its terminals each
government-owned Fiji Airways, serves the internal market with a range of small twin-propeller planes, and with deals often available via the airline’s website, flying can often be not only the quickest but also the cheapest way of navigating the country’s different landmasses.
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Landmark Attractions Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
“It is the largest temple of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit the temple to admire its traditional Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings of Hindu gods, relax amid its peaceful confines and take part in colorful festivals” – Expedia
Navala Village
“Visit the last authentic traditional Fijian village deep in Fiji’s interior mountainous landscape. Partake in the traditional welcome kava ceremony, tour the village, school, mingle with the villagers and cool off in the fresh river water of Navala” – fiji.travel
Beqa Lagoon
“About 144 kilometres southeast of Nadi, off Pacific Harbour, Beqa Lagoon lures avid divers and adventure seekers, many of whom come here to experience the Beqa Lagoon Shark Dive. With stringent safety measures in place, expert local dive operators offer exhilarating face-to-face encounters with these much-feared creatures in their natural habitat” – Planetware
Bouma National Heritage Park
“Bouma National Heritage Park is the prime example of what makes Taveuni the “garden island” of Fiji. Imagine hiking through a wonderland, full of flowers and plants of all kinds, incredible vistas, and stunning waterfalls. That’s exactly what Bouma in Taveuni has to offer” – Fiji Luxury Vacation
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
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ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
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