50 percent more Kiwi travellers chase Fiji sun

New Zealanders holidaying in Fiji continue to set new records.

For April, the Fiji Government statistician reports an increase of Kiwi visitors of just over 50 percent.

New Zealanders visiting the Pacific Island nation were recorded at 7907, up from 5269 for April 2003.

The latest increase follows a 41 percent growth for the first quarter of the year.

In the year to date New Zealand visitor numbers are up around 45 percent to 18,909, compared to 13,074 at the same time last year.

Fiji Visitor Bureau director in New Zealand, Paresh Pant, says visitor numbers from all markets were up 28.5 percent for April from 30,050 to 36,460.

This is only four percent off the pace for the highest ever record set in April 2000.

Year to date figures are at 141,515, up from 116,366.

The way tourism figures are trending, Mr Pant predicts last year¹s all time visitor record will certainly be broken.

More than 75,000 Kiwis holidayed in Fiji last year, with this year¹s numbers now pointing closer to 90,000.

Meanwhile, holiday resorts, island resorts and cruise operators are reporting strong forward bookings for the New Zealand winter months.

But according to Mr Pant most tourism operators still have vacancies with travel agents in New Zealand having direct access to the latest availabilities.

Properties on the popular Coral Coast and in the Yasawas still have rooms to sell.

ENDS

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