Fiji may be known as a quintessential tropical island destination but as a recent educational trip showcased, it is also a place where a luxury escape can support meaningful social and environmental sustainability. Australasian event management company Arinex hosted seven international incentive representatives on a six-day educational trip covering resort areas on the main island of Viti Levu and nearby private islands.
Arinex Managing Director, Nicole Walker, said the trip showcased why Fiji is a top destination for outstanding incentive experiences that embrace corporate social responsibility.
“Fiji is a destination that excels in ecotourism. It is not only home to some of the world’s leading luxury resorts but also has impressive sustainability initiatives that help maintain the pristine natural environment and support local communities,” Nicole Walker said.
“Our educational trip showed that a luxurious island experience can deliver on the environmental, social and human pillars of sustainability to ensure attendees leave feeling rewarded and rejuvenated but also more knowledgeable about Fiji’s culture, unique ecosystems and the importance of conscious travel.”
Participants gained insight into traditional Fiji culture with a Sigatoka River Safari tour to one of the local village communities that welcome visitors. They gifted the community with books for the children, received a tour of the village and participated in a kava ceremony before enjoying a lunch of local food along with traditional Fijian singing and dancing.
The sustainability theme continued with an overnight stay at Six Senses Resort on Malolo Island, offering luxury accommodation and a visit to the resort’s Earth Lab. Participants learned about the many sustainability initiatives at the property including the largest off-grid solar system in Fiji that uses Tesla batteries to power the resort and facilities.
Another highlight was a visit to Kokomo Private Island Resort. After arriving by seaplane, the group explored the private villas and residences before Kokomo’s Executive Chef led a tour of the resort’s 5.5-acre farm featuring herbs, fruits, vegetables, bees and free-range chickens.
Participants learned more about Kokomo’s sustainability strategy including coral planting, community support and manta ray conservation. Guided by the resort’s marine biology team, the group snorkelled the Great Astrolabe Reef and came away with a better understanding of how the Kokomo Manta Conservation Project works to protect Fijian mantas.
Also featured on the six-day program with a commitment to both sustainable practices and superior incentive experiences were the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, and the exclusive private-island Malamala Beach Club.
