Fiji’s tourism entity said it is on the hunt for PR agencies for key global markets, including the U.S. and China.
Tourism Fiji acting CEO Michael Meade said TF wants PR firms to bring “the story of Fiji to their international markets in a fresh and memorable way.” He is looking for expressions of interest from firms by April 27 ahead of a competitive review process.
Photo: Tourism Fiji |
Firms should include background, expertise, ownership, staff counts and client lists, as well as from two to five case studies in the tourism and travel PR sector.
Markets covered include Australia, New Zealand, U.S. (based on West Coast), and Greater China, including Taiwan and Hong Kong.
The country's goverment, which came to power in a 2006 military coup, is not recognized by the U.S. and has been criticized by Australia and New Zealand for alleged labor and human rights violations.
The coup has also put a damper on tourism. According to the CIA, "Fiji's tourism industry .... is facing an uncertain recovery time. In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with substantial job losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a difficult business climate. The EU has suspended all aid until the interim government takes steps toward new elections."
Submissions for the PR review go to Meade at mmeade [at] tourismfiji.com.fj, according to Susan Bejeckian, a Los Angeles-based PR consultant who works with Tourism Fiji.
Qorvis Communications in December picked up a $40K-a-month pact to promote business and investment in the Pacific state.