Tourism Fiji is hammering home the "Fiji Me" message to travel agents and tour operators in eastern USA in efforts to increase tourist numbers from America.

Tourism Fiji, along with Air Pacific and representatives from 8 major hotels in the country, concluded a whistle-top tour of nine major east American cities and in the process delivering the Fiji message to more than 260 travel agents.

Tourism Fiji's Regional Director The America's Ilisapeci Matatolu who is based in Los Angeles said the main thrust of the road show was to increase Fiji's footprint in the east coast in response to increased enquiries for the Fiji product from the region while at the same time reinforcing relationships with key partners.

She said they see the recruitment of these specialists as being the key in driving and maintaining the interest in Fiji in the US market.

Recent figures released by Tourism Fiji show US visitor arrivals to Fiji held steady through 2008 with a total of 64,334, a 2.2% increase over the same period in 2007.

Meanwhile, in an effort to target the fastest growing outbound market, Tourism Fiji has appointed a new China representative.

Nancy Li has been appointed to the post and will be based in Shanghai as Fiji has the largest market share of Chinese visitors compared to neighbouring pacific islands.