Tourism In Fiji

The next place I will visit is the Fiji Islands

Fiji is located in the southwest Pacific, south of the Equator. It is an archipelago that consists of 322 islands, 106 of them are inhabited and the rest are natural reserves. Viti Levu is the main Island and it consists of two main cities: Suva and Nadi. Suva, Suva is Fiji’s capital and Nadi is home of the international airport. Viti Levu is home to most of the Fijian population. The second largest island is Vanua Levu and the third largest is Taveuni.

Fiji has two seasons, the rainy and the dry season. The rainy season is from November to April. During those months it is also the tropical or hurricane season, but they are rarely affecting the island, the last one was in 1993. The dry season is from May to October. Fiji’s climate is South Seas tropical climate. According to yourtravelsource.com (n/d), “The best months to visit are June to October. Temperatures range from maximum of 72 degrees to 96 degrees. Humidity can be high but the trade winds bring year long cooling breezes late afternoon and early evening” (p. 1). The weather in Fiji is hot and humid, but because of all the water activities and sports, I will be refreshed and getting a nice tan.

My motivation to travel to Fiji falls into Plog’s motivation model. Fiji offers me an adventure. Anything can happen during my stay. Fiji to me is an island full of mysteries. I feel that if I have everything planned I won’t see the island the right way. I fall into the Allocentric group for this destination.

Another thing that attracts me the most about Fiji are the white sand beaches and its extensive water activities. I grew up in the coast of my country and have always been exposed to islands and water sports. Fiji is known for been one the most wonderful places for scuba diving and snorkeling as well a vast natural resources. I am PADI licensed diver and while taking some of my courses my colleagues always talked about the wonderful experiences they had in Fiji and how unreal the corals were. According to yourtravelsource.com (n/d), “Great diving and snorkeling! Fiji is the Soft Coral Capital of the World and is one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world” (p.1). Fiji has beautiful natural resources and this alone is a great reason for me to go visit. Even though the purpose of my scuba diving colleagues was to scuba dive, they also had the opportunity to go hiking as well as embracing the community. They were invited by hotel workers to different activities and dinners.

Communicating to others in Fiji is not an issue because English is the main language. Fiji used to be a possession of the British Crown, but became independent in 1970. Additionally, native people speak Fijian.

People in Fiji are very friendly and welcoming smiles in part of their culture. They have developed their culture based on a word: Bula. According to the Fiji Visitors Bureau (n/d) ““Bula” can mean many things. It can mean hello or welcome, cheers or good health. “Bula”, is guaranteed to be delivered and received with the warmest smiles you’ll ever see. But more than anything, Fijians like to be happy and they want you to be happy too”. Fijian’s are warmth and smiling is part of their nature. They treat people like if they were family. One enters the island as a visitor, but leaves as a friend. Their culture is something that motivates me to go Fiji.

Fiji’s infrastructure and superstructure is well developed. Transportation services are immense through air, water or land. (Wikipedia 2008). There are all sorts of luxury hotels, bed and breakfast, condominiums and resorts available. According to the Fiji Visitor Bureau (n/d), “Fiji offers you a huge variety of venues - luxurious hotels on the main islands, secluded boutique resorts, with a choice of magnificent private chapels or a variety of beachfront or rainforest locations” (p. 1) Most of the resorts are water front properties that offer air conditioned accommodations with all the amenities that are found on international resorts. Major international chains are present such as Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Sofitel and Radisson amongst others. The currency is the Fijian dollar but in comparison to the American dollar is 2-1.

When it comes to food Fiji offers international cuisine, but the local food is Fijian and Indian. Some of the national delicacies are Kakoda, which is a fish that is steamed in lime and coconut cream, as well as Lovo, which is a dish that is cooked in covered pits and consists of a feast of fish, meat, fruit and vegetables. Fijian’s also have national drinks, Carlton, which is the local beer brewed in Suva, Fiji bitter and Kava. Most of the drinks are prepared with products from the South Pacific Distilleries. The drinking age is 18 years old (iexplore.com (2008).

In order for me to have a vacation in Fiji I will have to incur