IN THE NEWS
World Tourism Day 2018: Tourism and the digital transformation ETW Staff Mumbai THE IMPORTANCE of digital technologies in tourism, providing opportunities for innovation and preparing the sector for the future of work, is at the centre of World Tourism Day 2018. World Tourism Day, celebrated every September 27 around the world, is a unique opportunity to raise awareness on tourism’s actual and potential contribution to sustainable development. This year’s World Tourism Day (WTD) will help to put the opportunities provided to tourism, by technological advances including big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, on the map of sustainable development. The World Tourism Organisation
(UNWTO) sees digital advances and innovation as part of the solution to the challenge of marrying continued growth
with a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector. “Harnessing innovation and digital advances provides
tourism with opportunities to improve inclusiveness, local community empowerment and efficient resource manage-
ment, amongst other objectives within the wider sustainable development agenda,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary general, UNWTO. The WTD official celebration will be held in Budapest, Hungary, a country enjoying steady growth of tourism backed by consistent policy support and a commitment to the digital future. Other celebrations will take place worldwide. The official celebration will also see the announcement of the semi-finalists of the 1st UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition, launched by UNWTO and Globalia to give visibility to startups with innovative ideas capable of revolutionizing the way we travel and enjoy tourism.
Tourism Fiji launches brand campaign with Ileana D’Cruz ETW Staff Mumbai WITH OVER 300 islands, the resplendent Fiji transports you to a land of pure bliss from the very first ‘Bula’. Bringing a little bit of heaven to India, Tourism Fiji unveiled its new brand campaign, #BulaHappiness with their Brand Ambassador, Bollywood starlet, Ileana D’cruz. The campaign video launched in Mumbai amidst the presence of Ileana D’cruz; His Excellency Yogesh Punja, high commissioner of the Republic of Fiji; Kathy Koyamaibole, regional manager Asia and Seema Kadam, country manager India, Tourism Fiji and other Fiji partners.
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The perfect blend of sandy shores, green interiors and warm, friendly people is what Fiji is all about and Tourism Fiji’s new campaign video exemplifies this beautifully. The video encapsulates Ileana’s experience during her visit, highlighting some of the best places and unparalleled experiences in Fiji. Commenting on the new campaign, Kadam said, “India holds a lot of potential for us as far as tourism is concerned and a lot of focus is driven towards the growth of the market. From 2016-2017, there has been a 30 per cent increase in Indian nationals visiting Fiji. During the first quarter of this year, we recorded a rapid growth of 27.8 per cent as compared to 2017,
Ileana D'cruz
making India one of the fastest growing tourism source markets, for Fiji. With Ileana as our Brand Ambassador, we aim to showcase through this campaign video, a first-hand experience of what Fiji has to offer and hope that more and more Indians experience what this beautiful country has to offer.” D’Cruz said, “I love travelling and Fiji has always been on my travel bucket list. Associating with Tourism Fiji is not only a great opportunity, but also a novel and unparalleled experience. Fiji is not only about the beautiful beaches. The food, culture, people, adventure, all together makes this gorgeous place, one big playground for the entire family. Shooting for this
campaign in Fiji was one of the most memorable and unforgettable experiences I have ever had.” Tourism Fiji’s campaign was launched at the Fiji Roadshow, which was held in August, across all the metropolitan cities in India - Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru. Tourism Fiji partners - Fiji Airways, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Matamanoa Island Resort, Namale Resort & Spa Fiji, Sofitel Resort & Spa Fiji and The Pearl Resort were also a part of this roadshow. The partners highlighted what makes Fiji the next big destination for Indians, the visitor attractions and some of the unparalleled experiences that one can get only in Fiji.