The World Bank definition of NGOs (non-government organisations) is that "They include many groups and institutions that are entirely or largely independent of government and that have primarily humanitarian or cooperative rather than commercial objectives".

NGOs play an important role in Fiji Tourism today, not only as a voice for people with a common interest, but also providing the international credibility the International NGOs bring to Fiji.

NGOs play an important role in Fiji Tourism, not only as a voice for people with a common interest, but also providing international credibility.

An example of this is The Fiji Tourism Resource Owners Association (TROA), established by the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, Native Land and Trust Board and the Ministry of Fijian Affairs. The primary purpose of the TROA is to actively involve resource owners (indigenous Fijian land-owners) in the tourism industry.

ForbesTraveler Magazine, a top-end web page for travellers, has named Natadola Beach one of the “25 Sexiest Beaches in the World” in its December 2006 issue.

Survivor Fiji: the fourteenth season of CBS’s Survivor series premiered in the US on February 08, 2007 with 19 new cast members. The top-rated CBS reality TV program, hosted by Jeff Probst, was shot on location in the village of Vunivutu in the province of Macuata in Vanua Levu, the second largest island in Fiji as well as on Viti Levu in Sigatoka and the Mamanucas.

Maravu Plantation Beach Resort & Spa has been chosen as “Best Luxury Hotel” in the South Pacific by Trip Advisor in its 2006 Travelers’ Choice Awards. TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards honour the world’s best hotels through travellers’.

A Taiwan Stock Exchange Group of 45 persons spent their vacation at the Shangri-La's Fijian Resort, Sheraton Fiji Resorts and Mana Island Resort from 21-26 January 2007.

This was a result of Fiji's participation at the ITE MICE show in Hong Kong last year where Shangri-La's Fijian Resort, Sheraton Fiji Resorts and the Fiji Visitors Bureau attended. This visit is a testament that Fiji remains a safe destination for groups, despite the political situation that has created fear amongt PCOs in Australia and New Zealand. This also demonstrates the huge opportunity that the emerging markets of Asia have, which Fiji will be focussing on to develop.

Entries for the Fiji Visitors Bureau Online Wedding Competition close on 31 January 2007. Winners will be announced on Valentine’s Day – 14th February 2007. The Grand Prize includes two return air tickets flying Air Pacific, three nights accommodation, inclusive of breakfast and a Fijian Wedding package, compliments of the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort, Wedding set-up and make-up compliments of Tropical Bridal, one night accommodation on Tivua Island and a Starlight Dinner cruise compliments of Captain Cook Cruises, and Ground Transfer compliments of Coral Sun Fiji.

The Fiji Visitors Bureau will participate at the TTG Incontri trade show to be held in Rimini (Italy) on October 20-22, 2006. The FVB will have a 16-square meter stand at the show, purported to be the only true B2B travel industry fair in Italy.

The Fiji Visitors Bureau (FVB) is organizing a New Zealand/Fiji Marketing Summit to be held at the Golf Terraces Denarau Island on Thursday 16 November. The summit will discuss marketing strategies, issues facing the NZ tourism market and to present the outcomes from researches undertaken in 2006.

The Fiji Visitors Bureau will take part in the China International Travel Mart to be held in Shanghai from November 16-19. FVB will participate under the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) flagship in the South Pacific stand.

The Fiji Tourism Forum will be held at the Sheraton Resort from 7-8 September 2006. The theme of the forum is ?Changing Environment ? New Opportunities?, and it will be chaired by the chairman of the ANZ Bank Pacific region Mr. Bob Lyon. The keynote addresses will be delivered by the Executive General Manager of Qantas Airways Limited, Mr. John Borghetti.