Elia Canakaivata touches down Photo: Fijian Drua
The Fijian Drua rugby franchise in Nadi, Fiji has launched its very own travel booking website, making it the first sports organisation in the country and a Super Rugby side to do that.
This will make it easier for fans to book flights to attend matches in Fiji, Australia and New Zealand, the franchise said in a statement on Thursday.
Launched in partnership with New Zealand travel technology experts Travel Lab, Fijian Drua Travel is the first of its kind for any Super Rugby side and is a one-stop shop for fans wanting the best packaged deals including flights, accommodation, matchday tickets, matchday hospitality, ground transfers and many other activities.
"The website is now live, featuring excellent flight deals with Drua airline partner Fiji Airways as well as leading Fiji resorts and hotels. The platform also offers a seamless jump offline to connect with an experienced agent if more information or assistance is required," the franchise said.
Fijian Drua head of commercial and marketing Shane Hussein said the service will enable fans of the Fijian Drua as well as other Super Rugby Pacific clubs to make a trip to Fiji or watch the side anywere else.
"We know there's good interest from overseas based fans to travel to a match in Fiji. We are delighted to launch Drua Travel with our partners Travel Lab, offering travellers everywhere the ultimate rugby travel experience," he said.
"Drua Travel will enable fans of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as well as other Super Rugby Pacific clubs to make a trip to Fiji.
"Join the world's best fans in Lautoka or Suva to ensure a matchday atmosphere like no other, bundled with flights, accommodation, transfers and more for an excellent deal. What's more, coming as a group to Fiji will unlock some exclusive money-can't-buy experiences with the Fijian Drua.
"This includes unique Drua gifts, behind the scenes access and meet & greet with players."
Fijian Drua Travel is the first of its kind for any Super Rugby side and is a one-stop shop for fans wanting the best packaged deals including flights, accommodation, matchday tickets, matchday hospitality, ground transfers and many other activities. Photo: Fijian Drua
Hussein said the sports tourism research results released by Tourism Fiji about the economic impact of Fijian Drua matches in Fiji confirms the Drua's popularity.
"We realise the Drua is now a significant contributor to Fiji tourism," he said.
"We're taking the next step in unlocking even further economic opportunities for tourism stakeholders with the Drua Travel site.
"Travellers love packaged deals and the Drua is eager to be a part of this ecosystem, which in turn helps keep more tourism revenue in our country to support all.
"Thousands of travellers visited Fiji for the 2023 season and Drua Travel is especially created to entice even more visitors to Fiji during upcoming seasons."
Travel Lab chief executive officer Simon Mckearney said they are excited about the new partnership with the Fijian Drua.
"We're grateful to the Fijian Drua for partnering with us on this exciting new journey as they embark on the much-awaited 2024 season. Travel Lab are self-confessed rugby fanatics and are really impressed with the innovation flowing across the entire Fijian Drua Team, both on and off field," he said.
"Travel Lab are always looking to help businesses like the Drua grow their brand and market reach and this can be done through technical design including promotional travel packages like the Fijian Drua have opted for. Tours tailored made to suit fans needs at affordable rates is such a great proposition."
The Drua will play seven honme matches next year shared between Lautoka and Suva.