China is eager to establish direct flights between the Chinese mainland and Fiji “as soon as possible,” according to Zhou Jian, the Chinese ambassador to Fiji. This statement was made during a recent event in Suva that marked the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
Ambassador Zhou expressed readiness to collaborate with Fijian authorities to initiate these direct flights, which he believes would draw more Chinese tourists to Fiji and boost the local economy. He also extended a warm invitation for Fijians to travel to China and experience its vast offerings.
In his address, Ambassador Zhou highlighted the importance of strengthening the Fiji-China relationship, noting that improving people-to-people interaction is crucial for maintaining robust state relations. He mentioned that China would continue to send artistic troupes and medical teams to Fiji, along with offering Chinese Government Scholarships, all aimed at enhancing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.
Efforts to elevate Fiji’s profile as a tourist destination in China are ongoing. In the previous year, Tourism Fiji, Fiji Airways, and Trip.com Group, a prominent global travel service provider, entered into a three-year strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase Fiji’s visibility in the Greater China market and promote Fiji’s branding of “Where Happiness Comes Naturally.”
Currently, Fiji Airways facilitates flights to China through a codeshare agreement with Hong Kong Airlines.