Akshay Kumar – Mumbai
Fiji Airways, the national carrier of Fiji is exploring opportunities to have codeshare with Air India. Speaking exclusively with Express TravelWorld, Faiyaz Koya, minister for industry, tourism and trade, Government of Fiji said, “Currently, the traffic from India to Fiji is comparatively very small. As of now we do not see a possibility for a direct flight from Fiji to India. But we have had several talks with the Government of India for a codeshare between Fiji Airways and Air India. We want to increase the connectivity between India and Fiji. Singapore Airlines is also one option we are looking at to have a codeshare.”
In 2014, Fiji witnessed an increase of eight per cent in the number of Indian travellers visiting the island nation. Speaking about the footfall, minister Koya said, “We have hit the 3000 mark in 2014 which shows a steady increase of eight per cent compared to 2013. In this year we will like to double the figure as India is an important source market for us. In 2015 we expect a growth rate anywhere between 15 to 20 per cent.”
Recently, Tourism Fiji launched an exclusive brochure for 2015 with Kuoni-SOTC for the Indian travellers. The brochure was unveiled in the presence of the Fijian delegation which included Faiyaz Koya, minister for industry, tourism and trade and Lorna Eden, assistant minister for industry, tourism and trade as well as Rajeev Wagle, managing director, Kuoni India; Vishal Suri, CEO- tour operating, Kuoni India and Amod Thatte, head- product and innovation- tour operating, Kuoni India.
From white sand beaches to pristine natural environment, Kuoni- SOTC has included holiday experiences that are designed to explore and discover the best of Fiji. Kuoni- SOTC also offers customised and escorted group holiday options to Fiji starting Summer 2015, which allows travellers to choose from affordable accommodation or exclusive five star resorts.
Suri said, “It is indeed a pleasure to partner with Fiji Tourism who continues to deliver a world-leading destination and helps us understand the wonder of Fiji. With the growing interest seen in Fiji as a holiday destination, Kuoni- SOTC brings to Indian travellers exclusive experiences in Fiji.”