The World’s Most Beautiful Dreamlike Island | Wang Wenqi: Aiming to Introduce Fiji to More Taiwanese

Reported and photographed by You T-Ru / Taipei

Fiji has long been a dream vacation destination for many travelers. In recent years, Fiji Airways has actively promoted tourism in Taiwan. Fiji Airways General Manager Wang Wenqi stated that the Asian market has great potential, and Fiji Airways will continue to focus on promoting travel to Taiwan, hoping to attract more independent travelers to visit Fiji.

Noticing an increase in Asian passengers flying with Fiji Airways, since November last year, flights from Hong Kong have increased from three to four per week, and a Wednesday flight was added starting in April. From June 22, the number of flights from Hong Kong further increased from four to five, with passenger volume on the Hong Kong route rising by 49.6%. “Although Taiwanese travelers need to transfer when flying to Fiji, the dense flight schedule between Taiwan and Hong Kong offers many connecting options.” This is a major incentive for Taiwanese travelers visiting Fiji.


▲ Fiji Airways General Manager Wang Wenqi. (Photo / by reporter You T-Ru)

At the end of 2015, Fiji Airways introduced the A330-300 to its fleet, using it for the first time on the 2016 Taiwan Lunar New Year charter flights, and subsequently deploying the aircraft on the Los Angeles route. For Asia, the A330-200 is used.

Wang Wenqi pointed out that the Asian market is very vibrant for Fiji’s tourism industry. In addition to Hong Kong, preparations to open a new Asian destination began last September, and Singapore was launched on April 5. “The Singapore route is primarily to serve the Southeast Asian market, as well as the Indian market and the high-connecting European market.” Currently, the Singapore route operates twice a week, departing on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with departures from Fiji on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Wang Wenqi noted that overall, Asia’s passenger volume has more than doubled since 2015, so the headquarters places great importance on the Asian market. The North Asian market is also under consideration for future route expansions, with plans including China and Japan, though these still require evaluation. “Within the next two years, there is potential to open additional Asian destinations.” For promoting travel to Taiwanese travelers, Giant Travel Agency will serve as the hub for independent travel products, while Bo Hai Travel Agency, Qing Ze Travel Agency, and Huan Yang Travel Agency will all launch their own independent travel packages.

“Fiji is quite unique and not particularly suitable for group tours.” Because the number of rooms at each outer island resort is limited, large groups are not ideal, making independent travel a better option. “Family travel or small groups of four to five people are most recommended.” Wang Wenqi pointed out that because Fiji Airways has a strong honeymoon vibe, it hopes to encourage small family groups to visit and enjoy a different travel experience.

Regarding promotional challenges, Wang Wenqi admitted that although Taiwanese people have a high acceptance of Fiji, long-haul island itineraries come with high prices and longer travel times, thus requiring more “attraction elements” to draw travelers. “We hope to attract travelers with the pristine beauty of Fiji’s 330 different islands, as well as its ecological environment.”

Wang Wenqi noted that in order to introduce more people to Fiji, he hopes to promote long-haul routes in the future by combining New Zealand + Fiji. Regarding itinerary combinations, “for example, 4 days in New Zealand plus 2 days in Fiji, which adds more variety and interest, also meeting Taiwanese travelers’ desire for multi-stop journeys.”

“Fiji is truly beautiful—before landing, you can see the colors of the sunrise, which are completely different.” Wang Wenqi said that in addition to the main island, Fiji has many stunning outer islands, such as Lakala, Savusavu, and Taveuni, which lies on the International Date Line, all of which are highly desirable destinations.