Saturday Briefing

By Una Murray -

The Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji (FOR) offers guests an exceptional and unique Fijian experience. Whether they are looking to immerse themselves in the Fijian culture, or a place to celebrate a special event in their lives, or just looking for a place to relax and get away from it all, the FOR can offer them all that and more. Over the past several weeks, a number of groups and celebrities have visited the FOR to experience the Bula Spirit first-hand.

A group of Travel Agents from the Flight Centre Travel Agency located in Melbourne, Australia, stayed at the FOR to experience the destination and update themselves on the property. Jason Dyktynski, the Assistant Manager of Infinity Holidays, who was their Tour Escort, said they were very impressed and satisfied with all they saw and experienced while visiting the property. He went on to say that this knowledge will help them sell Fiji and the property as a great destination.

Also visiting the FOR was a group of Product Managers representing key agencies from all over New Zealand. The purpose of this visit was to provide an on-site update on the effects of the floods around the Nadi/Coral Coast areas. The group hoped to find out how the floods impacted the hotels and resorts in these areas, what action plans the hotels and resorts executed during the height of the flooding, and what plans these properties already have in place, in case of a future crisis. The FOR was honored to host this group for a special lunch at the Kalokalo Bar at the Bebe Spa Sanctuary.

The Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji was excited to host two top sports celebrities who were guests at the 2008 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards held in the capital of Suva. Stu Wilson played with the All Blacks New Zealand Rugby Team as a wing from 1976 to 1983. After retiring from playing, he started a new career as a Rugby Commentator. Kali Meehan had been the Australian heavyweight champion until 2000, when he gave up the title. Nicknamed “Checkmate,” he is preparing to go up against a Russian Heavyweight boxer in a few months time. Meehan’s mother is Fijian and hails from Levuka Ovalau, the old capital of Fiji.

Prior to heading off to the IRB (International Rugby Board) World Cup Seven in Dubai, Vilimoni “Dels” Delasau, a member of the Digicel Fiji National Seven Team, brought his wife and two young children to the FOR, for some relaxation. Dels, one of Fiji’s greatest rugby wingers, has a stunning side step that leaves other players bewildered. The Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji sent a message to the team, wishing them all Best wishes to bring the IRB World Cup Seven to Fiji again.

Best selling author Jacquelyn Mitchard, whose novel was the first selection for Oprah’s Book Club, arrived at the FOR with her 9-year-old daughter Maria and sister Pam for a little work and a little relaxation. Ms. Mitchard was supposed to attend the Maui Writers Conference held at the FOR last April but had to cancel her trip due to an accident. While in Fiji, Ms. Mitchard worked on finalizing the details for a humanitarian cruise she has planned for May. Ms. Mitchard and a group of 18 volunteers will sail the islands of Fiji delivering medical supplies and books to remote village communities.