The Hospitality Conference that will attract upwards of 300 hospitality professionals from Fiji and other South Pacific Islands such as Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Palau, Solomons etc plus metropolitan neighbours of Australia and New Zealand. The Hospitality Conference will incorporate ALL aspects of goods and services for the tourism industry. These include suppliers of laundry, catering, crockery, cutlery, bedding, linen, water, solar, vehicle, vessels, surf, dive equipment. Computer hardware, software and communications suppliers are welcomed. Food and beverage suppliers etc will have the opportunity to meet key decision makers. If you are a supplier of any goods or products to the hospitality industry in Fiji, you need to be present at this Conference.

A vital part of the Conference will be the “Learning Experience” where up and coming Chefs/Bar Tenders and Baristas from around the Region will be offered the opportunity to work alongside celebrity chefs. However these are only for those FIHTA members who will sign in before January 31st, whereby they will be nominated from the draw.

The organisation and promotion of the Festival and Conference is by Robert Clark Creative of Brisbane Australia. Book your attendance and exhibition space by contacting Jude Bailey at jude@robertclarkcreative.com, (Phone +61 (1) 416 188 020)

For more information and/or to register, visit: www.southpacificfoodandwine.com

Or contact Conference Organisers - Robert Clark Creative Email info@southpacificfoodandwine.com Phone +61 (0) 7 3257 1250

Miss Fiji - the only Melanesian participant - Ms Filomena Tuivanualevu, received the Miss Charity crown and came third in the main Miss South Pacific event.

Fiji Islands will host the carnival in 2009.

The South Pacific is one of the largest regions in the world, with many beautiful holiday destinations including Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Vanuatu and Tonga. View more information about South Pacific vacations and travel guide to the various island destinations.

Check out the accommodation specials in Samoa now! The website contains a map of Samoa, plus information about holidays on Upolu and Savaii islands.

This years theme is 'South Pacific Culture' with an emphasis on talent from within our shores. Song, Dance, Art & Craft will be on display at the two main venues of Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel and Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort.

Daytime workshops will enable participants to learn the art of Lali or Drum making, ukulele making, and local dance moves. Also available during the day will be live performances in the town centre during lunch hour.

Each evening song and dance will be featured at the two hotels with the Final night round up at the Hot Springs Hotel.

Contact Karen Taylor for special rates and packages - Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort.

Le Vasa Resort Samoa

The event will include tournament registration and announcements, musical entertainment, cocktail reception and BBQ dinner.

Formerly known as Samoan Village Resorts, Le Vasa Resort changed hands last year and has reopened following upgrade of its facilities and accommodation.

The city has developed much since its modest beginning in 1903 when the Wharf and Sugar Mill were established. Originally created by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company Ltd (CSR), Lautoka is proud of its achievements. The shopping heart is a mixture of Indian, Fijian and Chinese stores, gradually giving way to larger and more modern stores such as the new Sugar Mall and Jacks. It is, of course, a focal point for the sugar cane industry in this region, as well as timber and pine chips, but it also welcomes visiting cruise liners, and sailing vessels.

Geographically it is a pleasant residential area also, with a backdrop of hills creating the perfect spot for homes that overlook the City centre and wharf with views of the blue and turquoise ocean dotted with the islands of the Mamanuca group and Yasawa group.

Fiji is a popular venue for touring Bollywood artists as they have a good following and get to perform to sellout crowds.

Niuafo'ou lies 640km north of Tongatapu and has a population of around 750. The well-attended Trade Fair will end today and the Niuan organisers will return home on Friday. The income generated is valuable to the small remote community.

The small islands of Tonga are scattered over a vast area of the South Pacific. The most northernmost group are the Niuas, and are comprised of three small islands - Niuatoputapu, Tafahi and Niuafo'ou. Due to the remote location of the islands, and lack of easy access (air transfers are currently suspended), tourist numbers are far fewer than to the other Tongan regions. Visitors who do get to the Niuas, however, get to enjoy a rich cultural experience as well as witnessing beautiful beaches and scenery.