Nadi, 15 April 2015 – Rural women who are trying to get ahead in creating small business ventures to improve their livelihoods will get the opportunity to showcase their crafts at the Fiji Tourism Expo (FTE) 2015.
This is after Westpac Fiji confirmed its commitment to Tourism Fiji with FTE 2015 as a key sponsor for the second consecutive year andassist Tourism Fiji with financial support for running the annual event.
The Permanent Secretary for Industry & Trade and Tourism, Mr Shaheen Alireceived the cheque on behalf of Tourism Fiji from Westpac Fiji’s senior staff representatives, Adrian Hughes (General Manager Fiji), Mr Scott Smith (Manager Tourism) and Ms Nirmala Nambiar (Head of Marketing) at Tourism Fiji’s head office in Nadi today.
In addition to the cash support, Westpac Fiji has also given their exhibition booth space to the “Rise Beyond the Reef” program in order for the rural women to promote their initiatives to international buyers from all over the world, as well as develop opportunities for businesses.
Rise Beyond the Reef, is a community development focused organisation that aims to bridge the gap between remote communities, government and the private sector in the South Pacific, sustainably creating a better world for women and children.
“Westpac prides itself on being the ‘Bank of Choice for Women’ and understands the strength of women and the unique challenges they face when it comes to business,” says Westpac Fiji’s General Manager, Adrian Hughes. “Events such as the Fiji Tourism Expo are a great way of connecting and empowering local women – giving them an opportunity to showcase their products while providing a platform for networking to build advocacy and business referrals”.
Tourism Fiji’s Director of Events, Ms Sally Cooper says, “Westpac’s support speaks volumes of the commitment that Westpac has for women in business and gender equality.”
Ms Cooper adds, “Tourism Fiji believes the partnership with Westpac is a very important one and we are thankful for Westpac coming on board as a sponsor for FTE 2015 and giving rural women an ideal platform to market their products to overseas buyers.”
FTE is an event designed to showcase the best of the Fijian tourism industry to buys and media from Fiji’s key overseas markets. Over three days, international buyers and media will have the opportunity to meet and engage with the Fijian industry in a way that has been possible in the past.
PRESS RELEASE