Tourism Fiji, Nadi, 7 February 2020 – Tourism Fiji is excited to announce Mr. Ponipate Yabakiciwa as the second Bulanaire for our 2020 program. Phase two of the campaign began in November last year and this year’s program has been extended to Fiji’s tourism operators to nominate a member of their team to become a Bulanaire and participate directly in the campaign.
Ponipate, or Poni as he is generally addressed, is a funny, fun-loving Tour Guide at Go Dirty Tours based in Nadi. His amazing reviews from customers, both tourists and locals, is what led his company director, Mr Anand Achari, to nominate him saying he has a heart of gold and is caring, charismatic and so friendly.
Mr. Achari said, “Poni has been working for us for seven years and we have never had any customer say anything negative about him. He’s a kind and generous person that’s always looking out for others. He is always eager to share about his Fijian culture and its history; having him as an employee is something, I am very proud of!”
He added, “The villagers that he visits on his tour also love him. Whether recognised by Tourism Fiji or not, Poni is a Bulanaire to us and our customers but we’d love to give him the recognition he deserves and share him with the world!”
Tourism Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Matthew Stoeckel said, “The Bulanaire program is not only a great way for us to recognize our hard-working frontline staff in our tourism industry but it allows us to join a global conversation about happiness. It’s through the Bulanaires that we can show the world why Fiji is the place where happiness finds you.”
The Bulanaires will work with Tourism Fiji to help share the ‘Bula Spirit’ with the world and reinforce why Fiji is the place where happiness finds you. Nominations are still open to tourism partners and stakeholders and we encourage them to visit fiji.travel/Bulanaires for more
information.
