Time is right for Fiji expedition cruising, ACA delegates told

Howard addressed cruise line executives at the Australian Cruise Association’s annual convention in Adelaide this week.

Howard said the opportunity is there, with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji no longer operating.

‘Fiji’s 333 islands provide endless possibilities for expedition cruising, offering travellers the chance to explore remote, untouched locations that are often inaccessible to larger vessels,’ he said.

‘One of the most extraordinary areas for this is the Lau Group that is known for its unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear water and rich cultural heritage.’

Homeporting

Howard, who was giving a regional outlook, building on ACA CEO Jill Abel’s commitment to the importance of working closely with neighbouring destinations, said the potential for homeporting in Fiji is another exciting opportunity.

‘Basing an expedition vessel in Fiji for a season or several months allows operators to offer extended in-depth itineraries that explore the county in greater detail,’ he said.

‘Homeporting not only provides consistent tourism benefits to Fiji but also allows for more specialized and immersive experiences, particularly around remote regions like the Lau Group.’

Airlift

Howard said Fiji Airways has a fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft and an extensive flight network connecting to major global hubs in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Asia to support fly-cruise operations.

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Destination development

Howard said attending the Australian Cruise Association’s 2022 annual convention in Townsville highlighted the importance of destination development and led to setting up the destination development team at Tourism Fiji.

‘Our success in developing Fiji’s cruise tourism sector is deeply rooted in the strong partnerships we’ve built with our neighbours, particularly Australia and New Zealand,’ he said.

‘These collaborations have allowed us to create a cohesive and compelling cruising region that is increasingly attractive to global cruise liners.’