A destination marketing organisation, Tourism Suncoast, out of Rakiraki has been recognised for their part in marketing the province to tourists after Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.
To attract more visitors to northern Viti Levu, tourist properties from Vatia to Nalawa, Ra, banded to form Tourism Suncoast — an organisation dedicated to showcasing Ra to travelers.
Last week the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (FETA) secretariat announced that Tourism Suncoast was one of the nominees in the Destination Marketing category. The other nominees in the category are Rosie Holidays, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa and Tour Managers.
Tourism Suncoast chairman Nick Darling said they were ecstatic to be short-listed for the award in their first year of operation.
“It has not be an easy year with the suncoast taking a direct hit from TC Winston, however, through excellent teamwork and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, our properties are all back on line,” he said.
One of the worst affected properties, Volivoli Beach Resort, officially reopened on November 27th 2016.
“Our fingers are crossed for a better summer in 2017.”
He said the nomination was a huge confidence booster for their members.
“For them this is another step in the right direction showing the association is and will continue to be very active and visible in promoting tourism in the region, both internationally and domestically.
“Awareness has been the region’s biggest problem with people both in Fiji and abroad not having heard all that much about the area, which caters for customers from backpackers to high end five-star accommodation.”
According to Mr Darling since its establishment, Tourism Suncoast has launched a website and won a social media award for being the most active at the Fiji Tourism Expo this year.
Recognition for group
Shayal Devi
Fiji Times: Thursday, December 01, 2016
