Latest news with #TourismFiji
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Wilson finds a new home with FIJI
After 25 years, the world's volleyball, Wilson, has finally been found on the shores of Fiji. In a heartwarming tribute video titled ' Wilson's Happily Ever After ', audiences have been reintroduced to one of pop culture's most unlikely and beloved icons, whose story first captured hearts in a classic island survival story filmed in Fiji 25 years ago. Thought to be lost forever, Wilson has been discovered right where his story began, in the place where happiness comes naturally. Imagining what might have happened after floating away into the vast ocean, the film shows Wilson washing up on the sun-kissed sands of Fiji, where he's embraced by the warm and welcoming local community. There, he's discovered by a young Fijian girl, Lani, who brings him into her world and into island life. The tropical island paradise known for its warm, friendly locals has welcomed the volleyball with open arms, showing him the best that Fiji has to offer. The pair is seen biking through the Fijian forests on the retired sugar cane railway tracks, enjoying kava with villagers, kayaking and splashing around in the crystal blue waters, and, of course, Wilson soars through the air in a game of beach volleyball. Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill says that the tribute is a celebration of both Wilson's enduring appeal and Fiji's spirit of happiness. 'Wilson's story is one that has stuck with so many for 25 years,' he said, 'He's the volleyball that broke hearts around the world. So when we realised it had been a quarter century since he was last seen drifting out at sea, we thought what better time to give Wilson the ending he deserves? And not only did he survive, he's thriving, making friends, and even playing volleyball again,' Hill stated. He added, 'The short video is a way of giving fans a little closure and celebrating the heart that makes Fiji so special, where Wilson has found his happily ever after, where happiness comes naturally.' The tribute highlights Fiji's growing role in the global screen industry, with a number of productions taking place in the islands over the decades, including The Blue Lagoon with Brooke Shields, and many TV series such as Survivor, Love Island and Shipwrecked. Fiji's film sector has become a major contributor to the local economy, employing more than 1,200 locals and collaborating with nearly 300 local businesses, while injecting close to USD 100 million FJD during the 2023-2024 financial year alone. 'Fiji is an incredible filming destination with picturesque backdrops, warm tropical weather, and experiences for a range of different traveller types,' says Hill. 'We're excited to celebrate 25 years since one of the first major productions in Fiji, while continuing to grow the industry and showcase Fiji on the world stage.' The latest film also taps into a long-standing online debate: What happened to Wilson? Over the years, many fans have taken to popular discussion platforms like Reddit to debate theories. One user said, 'The scene still hits me really hard two decades later, so I was wondering', with another adding, 'Definitely a death scene. He is lost to the waves.' These theories are lovingly put to rest with a feel-good happily ever after worthy of Wilson's legendary status. Watch the video here:
Scoop
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
25 Years On, Wilson Finds A New Home
Nadi, Fiji: After 25 years, the world's most famous volleyball, Wilson, has finally been found on the shores of Fiji. In a heartwarming tribute video titled 'Wilson's Happily Ever After', audiences have been reintroduced to one of pop culture's most unlikely and beloved icons, whose story first captured hearts in a classic island survival story filmed in Fiji 25 years ago. Thought to be lost forever, Wilson has been discovered right where his story began, in the place where happiness comes naturally. Imagining what might have happened after floating away into the vast ocean, the film shows Wilson washing up on the sun-kissed sands of Fiji, where he's embraced by the warm and welcoming local community. There, he's discovered by a young Fijian girl, Lani, who brings him into her world and into island life. The tropical island paradise known for its warm, friendly locals has welcomed the volleyball with open arms, showing him the best that Fiji has to offer. The pair is seen biking through the Fijian forests on the retired sugar cane railway tracks, enjoying kava with villagers, kayaking and splashing around in the crystal blue waters, and, of course, Wilson soars through the air in a game of beach volleyball. Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill says that the tribute is a celebration of both Wilson's enduring appeal and Fiji's spirit of happiness. 'Wilson's story is one that has stuck with so many for 25 years,' he says. 'He's the volleyball that broke hearts around the world. So when we realised it had been a quarter century since he was last seen drifting out at sea, we thought what better time to give Wilson the ending he deserves? And not only did he survive, he's thriving, making friends, and even playing volleyball again.' 'The short video is a way of giving fans a little closure and celebrating the heart that makes Fiji so special, where Wilson has found his happily ever after, where happiness comes naturally.' The tribute highlights Fiji's growing role in the global screen industry, with a number of productions taking place in the islands over the decades, including The Blue Lagoon with Brooke Shields, and many successful TV series such as Survivor, Love Island and Shipwrecked. Fiji's film sector has become a major contributor to the local economy, employing more than 1,200 locals and collaborating with nearly 300 local businesses, while injecting close to $100 million FJD during the 2023-2024 financial year alone. Beyond its economic impact, Fiji's cinematic appeal is stronger than ever. A 2023 Expedia travel report named set-jetting - v isiting locations featured in film or TV - as a leading driver for consideration amongst travellers, overtaking social media for the first time2. 'Fiji is an incredible filming destination with picturesque backdrops, warm tropical weather, and experiences for a range of different traveller types,' says Hill. 'We're excited to celebrate 25 years since one of the first major productions in Fiji, while continuing to grow the industry and showcase Fiji on the world stage.' The latest film also taps into a long-standing online debate: What happened to Wilson? Over the years, many fans have taken to popular discussion platforms like Reddit to debate theories. One user said, 'The scene still hits me really hard two decades later, so I was wondering', with another adding, 'Definitely a death scene. He is lost to the waves.' Now, these theories are lovingly put to rest with a feel-good happily ever after worthy of Wilson's legendary status. You can check out this video here to see Wilson embracing all Fiji has to offer. For more information on Tourism Fiji, visit About Tourism Fiji: Tourism Fiji is the destination marketing organisation of the Fijian Government agency, which is responsible for marketing Fiji as the ideal destination for global leisure travel. Tourism Fiji has established a presence in seven key global markets. Its activities include advertising, public relations, media initiatives, trade shows, and programs for the tourism industry, as well as consumer promotions to showcase Fiji better
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Travel + Leisure
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
These Hotels Are The Closest You Can Stay to the 'Love Island USA' Villa in Fiji—and Rooms Start at Just $74 a Night
The newest season of Love Island USA has broken streaming records—the first week of episodes racked up more than one billion minutes of viewership. With the third week just wrapped, it's nearly impossible to avoid words like 'Casa Amor,' 'good chat,' and 'Nicolandria' on your social media feed. And even if you don't watch the show, you may have seen that Megan Thee Stallion recently entered the villa, further cementing the show as the reality TV watch of the summer. Super fans have been attempting to geolocate the Love Island USA villa, which is somewhere in Fiji. But while everyone scours Google Maps to find out where Ace is plotting against Jeremiah, Travel + Leisure reached out to Melissa Natawake, the business events manager at Tourism Fiji, to help Love Island set-jetters recreate their own Love Island- style escape (without the world trying to vote you off the island). Tourism Fiji is staying mum on the exact location of the Love Island villa, but we can confirm that it is closed to the public, all the time. 'The area is restricted to production personnel during filming and is not open to the public,' Natawake told T+L. 'The Love Island site is on the western side of Fiji.' The villa is a private property, you can't book a stay, even when filming is finished. However, you can book accommodations very close to the villa. Natawake says that the two hotels closest to where the show is filmed are First Landing Beach Resort and Villas and Landers Bay Resort & Spa. (For those keeping track, that's on the northwestern side of the island.) First Landing has stunning villas, while Landers Bay is adults-only. Both have beach access and are not too far from Koroyanitu National Heritage Park. First Landing starts at around $171 per night, while Landers Bay starts at $74 per night. Both hotels are about a 30-minute drive from the Nadi International Airport (NAN). Natawake also recommends other hotels in the area, including The Fiji Orchid and Tanoa Waterfront Hotel. Love Islanders are not typically allowed out of the production area during filming. They aren't filmed on Saturdays, and they are otherwise not permitted to leave the villa unless the producers send them out on a date. Fortunately, tourists do not have to follow production rules. When you tire of lying out by the pool, there's plenty to do in the surrounding area. During the time she wasn't hosting, Megan Thee Stallion showed off some of the activities available in the area. She hit the beach, went on ATV tours, and caught a stunning sunset. Natawake has a comprehensive list of things to do in Fiji, including a visit to Viseisei Village (the oldest settlement in Fiji), going to the Sabeto Hot Spring and Mud Pool, ziplining and waterfall exploring, heading to the Malamala Beach Club, taking a traditional Fijian cooking class, touring local towns and markets, and going on a safari tour. 'The production has leased the villa for the next two years,' Natawake told T+L. That means that for the next two summers, there's a chance your stay on the island will coincide with the filming of the eighth and ninth seasons of Love Island USA , if you get the timing right. Imagine coming back from the beach, sun-kissed and a little sleepy, to watch the show that's being filmed on the very same island you're exploring. 'With the rise of social media and the visibility of recognizable local spots and services featured in the show, local interest has grown significantly,' Natawake said. 'The original Celebrity Love Island was filmed in Fiji from 2005 to 2006 before the franchise was rebooted around 2015.' Love Island USA was filmed in Fiji in 2019, then came back in 2023 after briefly leaving due to pandemic-related restrictions. 'Fiji remains a favorite of the ITV franchise thanks to its cinematic landscapes, brand consistency, ease of access with a remote feel, and strong support from the Fijian government and Tourism Fiji, including destination incentives and rebates,' Natawake says. Beyond increasing recognition from locals, it is also having a notable impact on the economy. Natawake said that Suva, Fiji, had a 70 percent year-over-year increase in searches between 2023 and 2024, and an 18 percent spike in searches following the 2024 premiere of the show. The actual production of the show is also driving an economic boom. Natawake said Love Island USA 's production team books over 500 rooms in the Nadi region for around six to eight weeks. 'Productions like Love Island USA bring significant economic impact—booking hundreds of rooms for weeks at a time, employing locals across hospitality, transport, logistics, and security, and supporting nearby communities through the purchase of food, materials, and services,' Natawake said. 'The benefits are far-reaching across both the tourism and creative industries.' Yes. If you are a fan of both shows, you'll be pleased to know that the villa is about an hour away via boat.
Travel + Leisure
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
The Closest You Can Stay to the Love Island USA Villa in Fiji
The Love Island USA villa's secret location is not open to the public—however, you can have a reality TV star-worthy trip nearby. While the exact location of the villa remains off-limits to the public, nearby resorts like First Landing and Landers Bay offer fans a chance to experience a similar island escape. The show's return to Fiji has boosted local tourism and the economy, with plenty of increased travel interest. The newest season of Love Island USA has broken streaming records—the first week of episodes racked up more than one billion minutes of viewership. With the third week just wrapped, it's nearly impossible to avoid words like 'Casa Amor,' 'good chat,' and 'Nicolandria' on your social media feed. And even if you don't watch the show, you may have seen that Megan Thee Stallion recently entered the villa, further cementing the show as the reality TV watch of the summer. Super fans have been attempting to geolocate the Love Island USA villa, which is somewhere in Fiji. But while everyone scours Google Maps to find out where Ace is plotting against Jeremiah, Travel + Leisure reached out to Melissa Natawake, the business events manager at Tourism Fiji, to help Love Island set-jetters recreate their own Love Island-style escape (without the world trying to vote you off the island). Where can you stay to be closest to the real Love Island villa? Tourism Fiji is staying mum on the exact location of the Love Island villa, but we can confirm that it is closed to the public, all the time. 'The area is restricted to production personnel during filming and is not open to the public,' Natawake told T+L. 'The Love Island site is on the western side of Fiji.' The villa is a private property, you can't book a stay, even when filming is finished. However, you can book accommodations very close to the villa. Natawake says that the two hotels closest to where the show is filmed are First Landing Beach Resort and Villas and Landers Bay Resort & Spa. (For those keeping track, that's on the northwestern side of the island.) First Landing has stunning villas, while Landers Bay is adults-only. Both have beach access and are not too far from Koroyanitu National Heritage Park. First Landing starts at around $171 per night, while Landers Bay starts at $74 per night. Both hotels are about a 30-minute drive from the Nadi International Airport (NAN). Natawake also recommends other hotels in the area, including The Fiji Orchid and Tanoa Waterfront Hotel. What can you do in Fiji if you're not actually on Love Island? Love Islanders are not typically allowed out of the production area during filming. They aren't filmed on Saturdays, and they are otherwise not permitted to leave the villa unless the producers send them out on a date. Fortunately, tourists do not have to follow production rules. When you tire of lying out by the pool, there's plenty to do in the surrounding area. During the time she wasn't hosting, Megan Thee Stallion showed off some of the activities available in the area. She hit the beach, went on ATV tours, and caught a stunning sunset. Natawake has a comprehensive list of things to do in Fiji, including a visit to Viseisei Village (the oldest settlement in Fiji), going to the Sabeto Hot Spring and Mud Pool, ziplining and waterfall exploring, heading to the Malamala Beach Club, taking a traditional Fijian cooking class, touring local towns and markets, and going on a safari tour. Will Love Island USA keep filming in Fiji? 'The production has leased the villa for the next two years,' Natawake told T+L. That means that for the next two summers, there's a chance your stay on the island will coincide with the filming of the eighth and ninth seasons of Love Island USA, if you get the timing right. Imagine coming back from the beach, sun-kissed and a little sleepy, to watch the show that's being filmed on the very same island you're exploring. Is Love Island a big deal in Fiji? 'With the rise of social media and the visibility of recognizable local spots and services featured in the show, local interest has grown significantly,' Natawake said. 'The original Celebrity Love Island was filmed in Fiji from 2005 to 2006 before the franchise was rebooted around 2015.' Love Island USA was filmed in Fiji in 2019, then came back in 2023 after briefly leaving due to pandemic-related restrictions. 'Fiji remains a favorite of the ITV franchise thanks to its cinematic landscapes, brand consistency, ease of access with a remote feel, and strong support from the Fijian government and Tourism Fiji, including destination incentives and rebates,' Natawake says. Beyond increasing recognition from locals, it is also having a notable impact on the economy. Natawake said that Suva, Fiji, had a 70 percent year-over-year increase in searches between 2023 and 2024, and an 18 percent spike in searches following the 2024 premiere of the show. The actual production of the show is also driving an economic boom. Natawake said Love Island USA's production team books over 500 rooms in the Nadi region for around six to eight weeks. 'Productions like Love Island USA bring significant economic impact—booking hundreds of rooms for weeks at a time, employing locals across hospitality, transport, logistics, and security, and supporting nearby communities through the purchase of food, materials, and services,' Natawake said. 'The benefits are far-reaching across both the tourism and creative industries.' Is the Love Island villa close to the island where Survivor is filmed? Yes. If you are a fan of both shows, you'll be pleased to know that the villa is about an hour away via boat.
USA Today
03-07-2025
- USA Today
Thinking of visiting Fiji? Love Island USA, cheap flights and no visa make now the time
You got a text! But are you getting a flight? If the latest season of Love Island USA has you considering seeking your own romance in Fiji, it could be a great time to go, and you won't be alone. According to Expedia, hotel searches for Fiji were up 30% in June compared to June 2024. "While current season data is still pending, last year's Season 6 showed a clear lift," Tourism Fiji said in a statement. "According to Skyscanner, searches for Suva, Fiji rose 70% year-over-year, with an 18% spike after the June 12 premiere and a 46% jump following the June 3 Casa Amor episode." Here's what you need to know if you're going to plan your own trip. How do I get to Fiji from the US? Fiji Airways has nonstop flights from Dallas, Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco. As part of the oneworld airline alliance, it allows for easy connections from other U.S. cities on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. According to Expedia, round-trip flights from Dallas and Los Angeles to Nadi Airport in Fiji are available for as little as $753 in September, though itineraries on other dates and from other cities are likely to run into the four digits. Is a visa required to visit Fiji? According to the State Department, visitors with a U.S. passport are not required to get a visa to visit Fiji if they plan to stay for less than four months. Is it safe to go to Fiji right now? Fiji is generally considered a safe destination for visitors. The State Department currently has Fiji listed under a Level 1 "exercise normal precautions" advisory. "What makes Fiji so famous is its people, who are known for their amazing 'Bula' hospitality, cheeky sense of humor and living culture centered around family and community," Tourism Fiji said in a statement. "Travelers to Fiji cannot help but soak up some of the Fijian happiness that is so pervasive – you arrive in Fiji as a visitor and leave as family. Fiji's endless supply of beaches and pristine, crystal-clear ocean waters offer an ideal vacation destination for divers, honeymooners, friends and families, or simply those looking to relax and get away from it all." Is $100 a lot in Fiji? The exchange rate for Fiji is somewhat favorable, with $1 USD currently worth $2.24 Fijian. According to Expedia, the average hotel price in Fiji is $340 per night.
