The Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, the pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau today.

Over the course of two days, this event brought together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s distinctive tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships.

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, emphasized the pivotal role of tourism in Fiji’s economy and extended heartfelt appreciation to all participants.

“Tourism remains a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, and the Fiji Tourism Exchange serves as a prime platform to showcase our rich culture, traditions, and amazing natural wonders to the world.

It’s heart-warming to witness such an overwhelming turnout, with even greater enthusiasm than last year, boasting participation from over 125 buyers, 80 sellers, and representatives from 19 international media outlets, we have over 4,000 meetings scheduled!

We’re building upon the success of last year, and the momentum is palpable,” remarked the Hon. Minister.

The Minister also shared updates on property developments, including the expansion of existing resorts and the launch of innovative hospitality ventures, highlighting growth and innovation in the tourism sector – offering something new to our visitors.

Echoing these sentiments, Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill expressed optimism regarding the opportunities that the Fiji Tourism Exchange will engender for the country’s tourism sector.

“We’re delighted to host the Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 in partnership with our platinum sponsors, Fiji Airways. We recognize the potential of our event to facilitate meaningful engagement. As we move forward, it’s evident that our tourism landscape is evolving.

Our tourism industry is strong, performing incredibly well, positioned for further growth, and our country is well prepared to take on the challenge.

We eagerly anticipate the exchange of ideas and the forging of lasting partnerships during this event,” shared Hill.

The “If You Can’t Bin It, Bag It” campaign was announced by Brent Hill at the Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024.

The campaign aims to preserve Fiji’s natural beauty by promoting responsible practices, self-awareness, and behaviour change at the grassroots level.

Recognizing the ongoing development of infrastructure in waste management and the significant task at hand, Tourism Fiji’s campaign aims to encourage all individuals to take more responsibility for the preservation of Fiji’s environment and temporarily store their rubbish in bags until proper disposal is available.

With an anticipated attendance exceeding 550 delegates (10% above last year!), including tourism operators, international buyers, and media representatives from around the world, the Fijian Tourism Expo 2024 braced an agenda brimming with workshops, seminars, media updates, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Gulfstream Aerospace, a General Dynamics subsidiary, announced EASA certification for the G700 aircraft, following FAA approval on March 29.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., fully owned by General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), revealed today that their newest aircraft, the Gulfstream G700, has been awarded type certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This certification comes after the aircraft was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on March 29.

“The Gulfstream team is proud to add EASA to our growing G700 certification accomplishments,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “During the flight test program, we took the G700 across the globe, and the response to the aircraft’s cabin size, flexibility and performance has been outstanding. This EASA certification unlocks G700 deliveries for many more of our international customers, and we are excited to see our next-generation fleet grow around the world.”

Prior to receiving FAA certification, Gulfstream unveiled performance upgrades for the G700, enhancing its range, speed, and cabin altitude. The aircraft’s range extended to 7,750 nautical miles (14,353 kilometers) at Mach 0.85, and 6,650 nautical miles (12,316 kilometers) at Mach 0.90, each seeing a 250 nautical mile (463 kilometer) increase from initial estimates. The G700’s top speed improved from Mach 0.925 to Mach 0.935, making it the fastest in the Gulfstream lineup. Additionally, its cabin altitude, already the lowest in the business aviation sector, was lowered to 2,840 feet (866 meters) when cruising at 41,000 feet (12,497 meters), enhancing passenger comfort.

Moreover, the FAA certification of the G700 confirmed two more performance enhancements, offering greater operational flexibility and increased airport accessibility: a balanced field length takeoff distance of 5,995 feet (1,829 meters) and a landing distance of 3,150 feet (960 meters) under standard ISA day conditions at sea level, both of which are shorter than initially announced.

The G700 boasts the largest cabin in business aviation, with options for a grand suite featuring an expanded lavatory or the industry’s largest ultragalley. It can be customized with up to five living areas and offers exceptionally quiet interiors, 20 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows, and 100% fresh, non-recirculated air.

“We appreciate the support and partnership of the EASA G700 certification team in reaching this achievement,” said Burns.

In March, Japan astounds with over 3M international arrivals, leading global travel trends with soaring momentum, according to Mastercard.

The travel industry is reaching new heights in 2024, with tourism spending and passenger traffic skyrocketing, as revealed in the latest Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report. The fifth annual report, “Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries,” explores the dynamic travel landscape across 74 markets, including 13 in the Asia Pacific region (APAC).

Record-Breaking Travel Trends

Despite varying exchange rates and affordability challenges, the travel industry is booming. Nine of the last ten record-setting days in global cruise and airline spending have occurred this year. The MEI predicts this trend will continue as consumers prioritize meaningful experiences, allocating more of their budgets to travel.

Key Insights from MEI’s Data

The report draws on Mastercard’s aggregated and anonymized transaction data, including Mastercard SpendingPulse™ and third-party sources, offering a deep dive into 2024’s tourism trends. Notable themes in APAC include:

• Trending APAC Destinations: APAC accounts for half of the top ten travel hot spots, ranked by the increase in tourism transactions over the past year.
• Japan Leads the Way: Japan is the top trending destination globally, with a 0.9% increase in tourism transactions compared to Ireland’s 0.4%. In March 2024, Japan welcomed 3,081,600 international visitors, the highest ever recorded, driven by a favorable exchange rate and a weak yen.
• Rising APAC Passenger Traffic: Intra-regional travel is rebounding, with top summer destinations for Singapore travelers including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Perth.
• Thailand’s Tourism Recovery: Thailand’s tourism is expected to fully recover in 2024, with visitor arrivals now only 7% below pre-pandemic levels. Inbound flight traffic from South Asia and ASEAN is nearly 20% above 2019 levels.

“Consumers in the Asia Pacific region have an intense desire and willingness to travel and are becoming increasingly savvy to ensure they get the best value and unforgettable experiences from their trips,” said David Mann, chief economist, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. “For tourism authorities, retailers, the hospitality and F&B sectors, the bottom line is that costs matter. In today’s economy, foreign exchange rates and spending power have become vital components in driving a traveler’s assessment of value when they are making their plans. This suggests that businesses targeting tourism dollars need to review their current strategies, and shift them if necessary, to maintain their appeal to travelers.”

Summer Hot Spots and Global Trends

Looking ahead, Munich is set to be the top summer destination due to the UEFA EURO 2024 football championship. Tokyo, Bali, and Bangkok also rank among the top ten cities gaining momentum.

Chinese Mainland Travel Dynamics

• Domestic Tourism Surge: Domestic air passenger traffic in the Chinese Mainland has fully normalized, surpassing 2019 levels and benefiting local businesses.
• International Travel Recovery: Outbound travel is at 80.3% of 2019 levels, with growth expected to continue, supported by visa exemptions and increased international flight capacity.

Indian Travel Boom

A growing middle class, increased route capacity, and a strong travel desire mean 2024 will see more Indians traveling internationally than ever before. In the first quarter of 2024, 97 million passengers passed through Indian airports, a number that would have taken a year to achieve a decade ago.

• Domestic and International Traffic Growth: Domestic passenger traffic is up 21% compared to 2019, while international traffic is up 4%.
• Significant Increases in Key Markets: Indian travelers to Japan, Vietnam, and the U.S. have increased dramatically, with notable rises in visitor numbers.

Longer Leisure Stays

In APAC (excluding ANZ), tourists are extending their trips by an average of 1.2 days to 7.4 days, driven by affordability, favorable exchange rates, and warm weather. This trend benefits local economies as longer stays generally translate to more spending per trip.

Thrill Seekers and Experience Spending

Globally, consumers continue to prioritize experiences over material goods. Spending on experiences and nightlife has reached its highest point in five years, making up 12% of tourism sales. Australian tourists are the highest spenders in this category, with 19% of their travel budget going towards experiences and nightlife.

Casual Over Luxury

Tourists prefer casual fashion and food, except where luxury offers exceptional value. Luxury fashion sales have soared in Japan and Hong Kong SAR, driven by a weak yen and late reopening respectively. Meanwhile, fine dining is thriving in Australia, India, and Thailand, outperforming casual dining.

These trends highlight the evolving preferences and behaviors of travelers, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead in the global travel sector.

“Amidst the evolving tourism landscape and continuing surge in travel throughout 2024, the Mastercard Economics Institute aids businesses and policymakers in translating macroeconomic forces and data insights into actionable strategies at the country, category, and company levels, in addition to counseling on possible scenarios and the implications they have on demand,” added Mann.

Spirit Airlines is set to introduce daily nonstop flights between the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in southeast Florida. The service, beginning on August 14, marks the first daily nonstop air service to Fort Lauderdale from Rochester since 2008, as announced by Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. This new route is poised to significantly enhance travel options for residents of the Monroe County and Finger Lakes regions, providing greater access to one of the most popular travel destinations.

Increased Travel Convenience

Adam Bello emphasized that Florida is a highly sought-after destination for local residents, whether for family vacations to the beautiful beaches of southeast Florida or for catching Caribbean cruises. The introduction of Spirit Airlines’ daily service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is expected to bring increased convenience and accessibility to Rochester passengers. This service expansion complements Spirit Airlines’ existing daily nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport and seasonal nonstop service to Myrtle Beach International Airport from Rochester.

Impact on Tourism and Economy

The addition of the Rochester-Fort Lauderdale route will introduce over 1,200 weekly seats to Florida, enhancing travel opportunities for the local community. While the service is expected to be daily, the specific days may vary in November, December, and January. Spirit Airlines, as the largest carrier operating out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, offers extensive connectivity to popular destinations such as Cancun, San Juan, and various Caribbean and Central American beach locales. This connectivity will allow Rochester residents to easily access warm-weather destinations, cruise ships based in Fort Lauderdale, and the Florida Keys.

Enhanced Travel Options

Travelers can book flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport through Spirit Airlines’ website, spirit.com. This announcement follows closely on the heels of Southwest Airlines’ recent introduction of nonstop service between Rochester and the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, further expanding the travel options available to Rochester residents.

The introduction of Spirit Airlines’ daily nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale is expected to have a positive impact on tourism and travel for Rochester residents, providing more options for affordable and convenient travel to popular destinations. This service will not only enhance leisure travel but also contribute to the local economy by facilitating greater connectivity and accessibility to key travel hubs. As residents take advantage of these new travel opportunities, the region is likely to see an increase in tourism activity and related economic benefits.

Brussels Airport‘s core mission is to foster connections among people, businesses, and communities. This commitment extends to supporting charitable endeavors that foster positive change and unity. The airport has a history of backing such initiatives and is now intensifying its societal impact through the Brussels Airport Fund, operated by the King Baudouin Foundation. This fund invites local organizations near the airport to submit proposals for sustainable projects aligned with an annual thematic focus.

Over the years, Brussels Airport has actively engaged in supporting charities and ventures that promote cohesion and positive outcomes, both nationally and locally. For instance, the airport is an official partner of the Royal Belgian Hockey Association and provides sponsorship to several youth sports clubs in its vicinity. Building on this, Brussels Airport is now in its second year of promoting sustainable local initiatives through the Brussels Airport Fund.

The fund specifically targets projects related to nature, environment, energy, or mobility that foster connections between residents and their surroundings. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, evaluating projects not just for their immediate environmental impact but also for their lasting contributions. A robust financial plan and tangible objectives are also crucial criteria for consideration.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, youth movements, local groups, schools, and others, provided their proposals are project-specific rather than operational. Examples of eligible projects include developing a community garden at a petting farm, organizing cycling programs for vulnerable groups, creating forest playgrounds, or supporting youth associations in building energy-efficient homes. Projects must be located within the airport’s neighboring municipalities or cities to qualify.

Managed independently by the King Baudouin Foundation, the Brussels Airport Fund oversees application processing, with an impartial jury responsible for project selection. Organizations can seek financial support ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 per project through this initiative.

Flair Airlines, the foremost low-fare airline in Canada, remains dedicated to transparency and environmental responsibility by sharing its operational metrics for April. Achieving a carbon emissions rate of 65g CO2 per passenger/km, Flair reaffirms its position as Canada’s environmentally conscious airline leader. April also saw Flair boasting an outstanding 99.9% completion rate, solidifying its standing as the most dependable airline in Canada.

“When customers book with Flair, we promise to get them where they want to go, when they want to go, how they want to go,” said Stephen Jones, CEO of Flair Airlines. “We are trending upwards on operational efficiency and on time performance and expect that to continue as we head into our busiest summer ever.”

Carbon Emissions

Flair’s monthly emissions tracker embodies its recognition of aviation’s environmental impact and its dedication to mitigating it. By furnishing travelers with crucial insights into Flair’s emissions alongside its monthly operational metrics, Flair empowers Canadians to make well-informed choices about their travel preferences.

In April, Flair attained an average CO2 release of 65 grams per passenger/km, surpassing the industry baseline for carbon emissions. This metric calculates carbon emissions per passenger/km and propels various efficiency endeavors, such as fleet management, on-ground fuel consumption reduction, optimized flight paths, and passenger load factors, contributing significantly to cost savings and emission reductions.

Flair’s monthly emissions reporting showcases its commitment to shrinking its carbon footprint, lessening air travel’s environmental impact, and establishing itself as Canada’s most eco-friendly airline. Flair’s CO2 emissions measurement adheres to a rigorous methodology recommended by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and independently assessed by a third-party advisory team. This guarantees data accuracy and comparability, fostering travelers’ trust in the provided information.

In April, Flair unveiled its inaugural 2023 Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) report, embodying its resolute dedication to a sustainable future. This report and its ambitious sustainability roadmap underscore Flair’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.