Industry Veteran Tells Travel Agents to 'Get Specialized' at Fiji Matai Convention

Susan Tanzman, member of the Ensemble Travel Group's board of directors and president of Martin's Travel & Tours in Los Angeles, served as the keynote speaker at the Fiji Matai Convention on November 13, at the new Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. The conference program and activities were based on the theme, "Post-Recession Travel Paradigms."

Attracting nearly 200 Fiji-certified travel agents and suppliers, Tanzman's remarks focused on how travel specialists can better sell Fiji in North America, beginning with agents getting totally immersed in the destination by completing the Matai Fiji Specialist program.

"Fiji is one of the most unspoiled and undiscovered travel treasures in the world," said Tanzman. "It's also a destination that offers a great value for couples and families. Fiji's warm, friendly people and exotic culture are truly unique points of differentiation. Looking forward, suppliers need to work together in a true partnership with travel agents to benefit all. Pricing integrity must be protected by all means."

"[Susan's] extensive first-hand knowledge of our country made her a natural fit for this key speech before such an important group of travel professionals," said Ili Matatolu, regional director of Fiji Tourism, the Americas. "What's more, her leadership role in Ensemble Travel Group, with whom we are forging a long term strategic partnership, will be quite valuable in the coming months."

The invitation-only convention drew the industry's top sellers of this

South Pacific

destination. To qualify, all agents must have completed the Matai Fiji Specialist program. The program is designed to develop and guide Fiji travel specialists who have the passion and desire to build Fiji as a holiday and business destination. Matai specialists are accredited travel agents with in-depth knowledge of Fiji hotels and resort, activities and attractions.

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