Trip.com Group and Tourism Fiji cooperate to promote Fiji as a destination

Leading global travel service provider, Trip.com Group and Tourism Fiji have signed a three-year strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on promoting outbound tourism to Fiji and developing its exposure to the global Chinese community.

The MOU was signed in an online ceremony attended by Brent Hill, Chief Executive of Tourism Fiji, and Schubert Lou, Chief Operation Officer, Trip.com. The new agreement will see both parties work together to promote Fiji as a destination, utilising Trip.com Group's strength as a travel marketing leader and operator of leading global travel brands. Together, both organisations will collaborate on knowledge sharing to inform how they can best contribute and drive the travel recovery.

Trip.com Group's deepened cooperation with Tourism Fiji aims to support and stimulate the recovery of travel to the destination and encourage travellers from all over the world to visit once international travel restrictions have been lifted. Over the next three years, the two parties will collaborate on travel marketing initiatives, products and data, and fully optimise the travel experience for tourists in Fiji.

Schubert Lou noted "Trip.com Group is excited to work with Tourism Fiji to maximise their presence and reach as global travel continues its recovery. By leveraging Trip.com Group's global position and resources we are able to support destinations, such as Fiji, to develop campaigns and marketing initiatives that reach travellers around the world. We are eager to begin working with the team at Tourism Fiji to welcome travellers to this incredible destination.”

Brent Hill added "Tourism is vital to the Fijian economy, accounting for around 35 to 40% of GDP. Following the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the industry, we are happy to collaborate with Trip.com Group to build their expertise and vast resources into our recovery plan. By working with a global player like Trip.com Group with strong brand recognition in key target markets especially global Chinese market, we look forward to sharing the wonders of Fiji to a broader audience.”

In line with the global travel recovery, both parties will collaborate on best capturing pent-up demand, developing campaigns aimed at driving traffic and travellers to explore Fiji. Home to world-renowned travel platforms such as Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner and Qunar, Trip.com Group will leverage its global footprint and user base to open up channels to generate greater traveller interest in the Pacific island archipelago.

Tourism accounts for between around 35 to 40 per cent of Fiji's GDP and employs around 150,000 people, with 120,000 of those estimated to have lost their jobs during the pandemic. From 1st December, Fiji began welcoming international visitors from listed Travel Partner Countries – a positive move for the nation as it looks to encourage safe travel flows, and incredible news for travellers eager to explore the islands' many wonders.

In other positive news for the region, according to Trip.com Group and WTTC's recent Trending in Travel report, Travel and Tourism GDP in Asia-Pacific is predicted to experience growth of 36.3% in 2022, with spending on international travel to increase by 148.3% YoY. A promising sign for the strength of the travel recovery as we approach 2022.