For meeting planners who find the recent drop in the Aussie dollar hurting their events budgets, there is another avenue.

The Nadi-based Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa suggests that they bring the meeting over to Fiji.

Sofitel says that in this environment while the dollar may not stretch as far elsewhere, value deals for meetings can be found in the South Pacific.

“Overall the destination is cheaper than Australia and New Zealand and our dollar goes that much further in Fiji compared to luxury 5 star hotels and resort at home,” says Natalie Brumniach, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa Director of Conferencing Sales.

“Of course in addition to the exchange rate advantage, Fiji appeals to the Australian and New Zealand market because it is so very close - just three or four hours depending on your departure city.”

Also because Fiji is a new Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) host market, much of the infrastructure and meetings equipment is still new and innovative.

“Fiji has really developed in the last two years with a bang. So many newly built properties have emerged in a new wave of tourism over the past 24 months offering fabulous new event and conference space and great technology,” says Brumniach.

“This resurgence of development has paved the way for highly-skilled international staff and chefs with international luxury experience and standards to make their way to Fiji and impart their knowledge for the benefit of the local market and guests alike.”

Catering up to meetings with a maximum of 720 delegates, the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa offers 296 rooms and suites, and boasts the largest conference facilities in Fiji.

Meeting spaces include the largest ballroom in Fiji, five smaller ballrooms, an executive boardroom, five indoor and veranda meeting rooms and a selection of outdoor venues.

Other facilities at the property include the Mandara day spa, golf, tennis, the ‘Turtle’ Club for kids, several bars and restaurants and the region’s largest lagoon style pool.