FIJI ISLANDERS VOTED THE WORLD'S FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE
Online Readers of Conde Nast Traveler voted Fiji Islanders as 2001's "World's Friendliest People." The award recognizes a population of almost 800,000 and comes during a year when annual visitors exceeded 348,000 - a 27% increase from the year 2000.
In a recent speech, the Honorable Laisenia Qarase - Prime Minister and Minister for Fijian Affairs - stated that Native Fijians were "one of the greatest natural assets Fiji has. [They are] a population born with a desire to please guests and make them truly welcome." She enforced her statement with the example of the native word "vulagi," which means both stranger and guest. "You see, we do not differentiate between the two."
Fiji consists of 333 islands spread out over 200,000 square miles in the southwest Pacific Ocean. A year round climate ranging from 68° to 86° F and water temperatures averaging 80° F attract visitors from all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, United States, Canada, England, and Europe.
Map of Fiji
Weather in Fiji
Fiji's main draw is the warm and tropical ocean. Year round activities include sailing, surfing, windsurfing, sea kayaking, jet skiing, white water rafting, water skiing, parasailing and game fishing to name a few. The southwest Pacific also offers some of the world's finest snorkeling and scuba opportunities.
Fiji Diving/Snorkeling Guide
Golf , tennis, horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking are inland activities that provide exposure to the islands' mountain regions, rivers, waterfalls and rainforests.
Fiji Golf Vacations and Courses
The largest and most populated island, Viti Levu, is home to the Nadi International Airport, which services direct flights from Sydney, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Vancouver, London and Tokyo.
Travelling to Fiji
Fiji's international appeal has driven demand for local real estate, but the Fijian Government and the Native Land Trust Board strictly regulate land use. There are three types of land in Fiji: Native Land, State Land and Freehold Land. Freehold Land is the only land that can be privately owned and/or sold and it represents only 8% of the Fiji Islands, making vacation homes and property a rare commodity. Freehold property can be sold in any form including a house, vacant lot, condo and even a luxurious residence club.
Native Land Trust Board FAQ
Taunovo Bay Residence Club
Fiji and its local islanders pride themselves in offering a beautiful and peaceful island escape that is not overrun by high-rise hotels and commercial development. Many frequent visitors say Fiji is today what Hawaii was 50 years ago.
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