Fiji's business events have unique appeal to New Zealanders.

For many Kiwis, the last thing they want to think about when the plane lands in Fiji is work. For an ever-increasing number, however, that’s the whole reason for going there.

Fiji is well positioned for New Zealand companies looking for a destination for their next business event. According to Victoria Wales, Business Director, HOT Events “Fiji simply ticks all the boxes. It’s warm – both the climate and the people – and it’s accessible with direct flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch all year-round.”

Melissa Natawake, Tourism Fiji’s Manager for Business Events and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) says a large part of the country’s appeal is down to the importance placed on hospitality and culture, which Kiwis appreciate: “For the Fijian people, our hospitality is second to none. We love to share. We love to share our culture. We're very welcoming. We love to invite you back to our village and we really want groups to experience that.

“New Zealanders and Fijians have a close relationship – we understand each other’s sense of humour, share a love of rugby and many other values. To see how Fijians are as a people really matters, and I think that shines through in business events.”

But don’t just listen to Tourism Fiji – a recent survey of top Professional Conference Organisers brought these comments:

  • “What makes Fiji such a good destination for business events is its close proximity to New Zealand, travel time, frequency of flights and two airlines, a range of hotels and regions to stay, activities and venues.”    
  • “Fiji caters well to time-poor groups (3-4 night programmes) who want to maximise their time together and organisations taking their entire team away, ensuring they remain in the same time zone to maintain business operations.”
  • “Some favourite experiences in Fiji for business groups include immersive cultural experiences: visiting villages, interacting with school children, and engaging with local Fijians.  
  • “I remember creating a five-day experience that resonated with 800 participants over 8 waves; many of whom holidayed in Fiji annually, required balancing uniqueness and familiarity.”

 Many New Zealand organisations take the opportunity to deepen the existing relationship with Fiji through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programmes while in Fiji. Natawake says while it depends on the clients’ preferences and budget, a lot of groups from New Zealand love to do CSR. 

“You can do anything from involving yourself with a school or a local community or village, or you can give back to the hospitals or orphanages. We find New Zealanders like to involve themselves in a community project, it's really fulfilling – and one of the key pillars at Tourism Fiji is sustainability, so we have a lot of those programmes as well. There are many opportunities that have tangible or intangible benefits for groups to do.”

That’s echoed by one of the PCOs who says: “In the past we have refurbished Sigatoka Hospital’s children and maternity wing and organised events like a fun run/walk for Cure Kids, raising funds for defibrillators. Successful CSR programs require collaboration with all stakeholders – the client, the community, and our ground operators.” 

Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Fiji without taking advantage of the thousands of recreational activities available, both for the business groups and those who might be accompanying them.

“We’ve come a long way in that space and we have a lot to offer,” says Natawake. “We hit all the price points and it depends on the client’s brief, but nine times out of 10 we will be able to provide exactly what your organisation is looking for.”

Several new venues have opened in recent years, meaning the country can meet the needs for gatherings of all sizes. Fiji is not short of accommodation, venues for bespoke experiences, adventurous activities catering for groups, and conference facilities able to manage groups of up to 1000 people with the likes of the Sheraton Denerau Convention Centre. Most of all, in Fiji you will find a plethora of things to add to your event with easily accessible activity options - water sports, golf, island day trips, surfing, diving, team building and so on. Fiji offers a combination of everything that makes it perfect for business events.  

While Fiji is a year-round destination, consider February and March or May to early June for good value, and of course Fiji is popular for a winter break anytime from May to October. Few Kiwis would disagree that it’s a good time to get out of the country.

 It's easy to organise any kind of business event in Fiji through a number of travel experts and Professional Conference Organisers in New Zealand who have the knowledge to help you put your perfect event, conference or incentive together. Tourism Fiji too is happy to offer suggestions and support with bringing event planners and clients over for inspections to help narrow down their options. 

Right now is a good time to start planning for your next business event in Fiji from 2025.

Some unique experiences available in Fiji: