the TravelManagers participants arrive and experience a welcome drink at Matangi Private Island Resort. Back- Christine Douglas (Director of Resort), Michael Gazal (BPM NSW/ACT), Tracey Cahill (Fiji Specialist Holidays), Aaron Stinson (National Recruitment Manager), Michelle Collins (PTM, Bowral NSW), Kate Foster (TravelManagers Operations), Kiniviliame Raicebe (Tourism Fiji Guide) Front- Julie Smith (PTM, St Ives Chase NSW), Moira de Vos (PTM, Waverley NSW), Azeziah Balfour (PTM, Townsville QLD).

TravelManagers' personal travel manager Azeziah Balfour, from Townsville won't forget this birthday in a hurry. What a great place to celebrate her birthday in style with birthday cake made by the Matangi Island Resort.

The TravelManagers' Team cool off in the private villa's pool at the Jean Michelle Cousteau Island Resort Back- Tracey Cahill, Aaron Stinson, Michelle Collins, Kiniviliame Raicebe In the pool Moira de Vos, Julie Smith, Michael Gazal.

The TravelManagers group gathers outside the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa during the trade day.

A TravelManagers' contingent attended a Tourism Fiji sponsored mega destination familiarisation from 26 November to 2 December. The famil was deemed a major success by Tourism Fiji, Air Pacific and the 200 participants themselves, who came from all over Australia.

TravelManagers' executive general manager Mandy Scotney says the objective was to give agents and personal travel managers an in-depth taste of what the 'real' Fiji has to offer.

"The participants were divided into smaller groups visiting various parts of the Fijian islands, many of which are limited in their capacity to cater to large numbers of people."

These destinations included the Mamanuca Islands, the Yasawa Islands and Northern Islands and the better known Denarau Island and Vitu Levu's Coral Coast.

Ms. Scotney says the groups were brought together towards the end of their programs for a mega famil trade day and gala dinner at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa.

"This provided an opportunity for all of the participants to update their knowledge on the many properties and tourism activities from all over Fiji."

The TravelManagers group was fortunate to visit the magnificent Northern Fiji Island of Vanua Levu, a region that none of them had ever visited. Michelle Collins, a personal travel manager from Bowral on New South Wales' southern highlands, was simply stunned at what she saw and experienced.

"We were hosted by Christine Douglas, a director of Matangi Private Island Resort. As someone with nearly 20 years experience, the sheer beauty and the absolute feeling of family that envelopes you when you arrive on the Island created an opportunity that you just don't get in many places around the world."

Ms. Collins says while she personally hopes to return one day, in the meantime she will certainly be ensuring her clients know about Matangi Private Island Resort."

Ms. Douglas was full of praise for the TravelManagers' contingent.

"I really enjoyed meeting them all and having the opportunity to spend time speaking to them about our Island. The TravelManagers' team was by far the best group we have had here. Everyone was so friendly, warm and genuine. We really enjoyed their visit."

Ms. Scotney says the TravelManagers team was popular.

"We did receive lots of favourable comments about our team and in addition to Matangi Private Island Resort the best group by far was echoed by Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa."

Ms. Scotney had nothing but praise for the outcome of the famil.

"The opportunity to experience firsthand the genuine warmth and hospitality of the idyllic Northern Fijian Islands is incredible. It simply cannot be learnt through a brochure, website or browsing on Trip Advisor."

As part of the itinerary the TravelManagers group spent a night at the resort made famous by the Cousteau family staying at the magnificent Jean Michel Cousteau Fiji Island Resort.

Since returning to Australia, personal travel manager, Michelle Collins has already booked eight nights in a family beach bure at Jean Michel Cousteau Fiji Island Resort for a client during the July 2010 school holidays.

"My clients are delighted and to be able to speak to them about the resort having seen it firsthand was hugely valuable. It is one of the most unique properties in the Fijian islands with its world class marine reserve on its doorstep, Greg Taylor and his team does a great job."

Fiji Tourism's current marketing theme 'Fiji Me' was also the theme of this 2009 mega famil. All of the participants could not help but take away memories of a truly genuine experience.

"This was an industry famil our personal travel managers and TravelManagers' support team were very fortunate to participate in. All have returned with great enthusiasm to promote this varied and contrasting South Pacific destination. TravelManagers certainly toast Tourism Fiji with a huge "Bula Vinka Vakalevu" for hosting such a successful event."