Rob Kay, the Honolulu-based author of Lonely Planet’s original Fiji guidebook, along with Lautoka, Fiji-based web and applications developer David Barnes, have updated the online travel guide, FijiGuide.
Fiji Guide features all original content including blogs, videos, and photos from local photographers.
Kay said the site provides the most relevant, up-to-date advice on accommodations, restaurants, tours, and attractions as well as extensive coverage of Fijian language and culture. FijiGuide covers the entire Fiji archipelago—from Kadavu in the south to Vanua Levu and Taveuni up north.
“Everything has been updated for 2020”, said Kay, who recently returned from a 5-week visit to Fiji. “I was able to spend considerable time in Nadi, Suva, Savusavu, as well as Levuka, Kadavu, and Taveuni. What’s impressed me the most is the growth of sustainable tourism, particularly in Fiji’s north and Kadavu. By all appearances, it’s Fiji’s future.”
Kay said that Fiji’s natural attractions are a tremendous enticement, but after 30 years traveling in Fiji, he believes the destination’s #1 draw are its people.
In addition to the website, a mobile app, and a weekly events magazine, are also integrated into the FijiGuide platform. Barnes stated that Fiji Events Guide is by far the most popular tourist events publication on Fiji, garnering over half a million page views per year.
The site covers outdoor activities such as diving, surfing, hiking, and golf. It features day trips and tours ranging from Ziplining on the Coral Coast to Black Pearl tours in Savusavu.
Kay stated the site provides objective data for visitors and travel industry professionals. “Whether you’re a traveler, looking for an ideal resort or a travel agent, serving your client, you’re going to need unbiased information. We provide readers with facts–not advertising copy. We vet each listing,” said Kay.
FijiGuide also offers tips on culture and sensitive topics such as visits to villages.
He added that the site is affiliated with regional Fiji visitors associations from the SunCoast, Savusavu, Kadavu and Coral Coast.
Kay, who has been a journalist for over 30 years, writes a column on sustainable tourism for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and is the travel editor of Hawaii Reporter, a Honolulu-based news publication.
He thanked the Fiji Hotel Association, Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji for supporting him in his efforts.
