Tourism Fiji has delivered its "FijiMe" message in New York during a luncheon that attracted top New York-based travel media.

A press release from Tourism Fiji on Friday said that Fiji's Ambassador to the United Nations Berenado Vunibobo welcomed the media there anticipating more visitors to Fiji's shores.

The groups included National Geographic, Conde Nast as well as Travel and Leisure.

Vunibobo underlined efforts by the Fijian interim government that supports the tourism sector -- one of the country's most important sources of foreign exchange.

Tourism Fiji Regional Director Ili Matatolu said the media was a vital partner in reaching the outbound leisure market, particularly in tourism.

She raised awareness and interest in the wide range of vacation opportunities currently available in Fiji -- the hub of the Pacific region.

Fiji Tourism CEO Josefa Tuamoto took the opportunity to update the assembled media on recent tourism developments in the country.

Specific reference was made to the Denarau Resort which in recent years has been developed through association with major U.S. hotelier brands.

These include Hilton, Starwood, and Accor, all of which he said held very strong appeal to the American travel market.

Tuamoto also drew attention to Fiji's ever-expanding tourism product base particularly the destination's ever-increasing appeal for the soft adventure market and the on-going development of Fiji' s spa industry beyond Viti Levu to many other parts of the archipelago.

Tuamoto explained how Tourism Fiji was investing in various sustainable programs and environmental strategies designed to ensure the country retains its biggest draw-card - through characteristics that embody the uniqueness of its smiling and warm people.

A highlight of the event was the traditional dance performance given by the "Fiji Me" dance troupe, a group of Utah-based Fijians who Tourism Fiji flew into New York for the event.

The United States continues to represent Fiji's third most important source of international visitor arrivals after Australia and New Zealand and promising markets like China.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2009)