Tourism Fiji announces its second Bulanaire for 2020!
Tourism Fiji announced Ponipate Yabakiciwa as the second Bulanaire for our 2020 programme. Phase two of the campaign began in November last year. This year’s program was extended to Fiji’s tourism operators to nominate a member of their team to become a Bulanaire and participate directly in the campaign.
Ponipate, or Poni as he is generally addressed, is a funny, fun-loving Tour Guide at Go Dirty Tours based in Nadi.
His amazing reviews from customers, both tourists and locals,led his company director Anand Achari to nominate him, saying he had a heart of gold and was caring, charismatic and so friendly.
“Poni has been working for us for seven years, and we have never had any customer say anything negative about him,” Mr Archari said
“He’s a kind and generous person who is always looking out for others.
“He is always eager to share his Fijian culture and its history.
“Having him as an employee is something I am very proud of.”
He said villagers that he met on his tour also loved him.
“Whether recognised by Tourism Fiji or not, Poni is a Bulanaire to us and our customers but we’d love to give him the recognition he deserves and share him with the world,” Mr Archari said.
Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Matthew Stoeckel said, the Bulanaire programme was a great way to recognise hard-working frontline staff in the tourism industry.
“It allows us to join a global conversation about happiness. It’s through the Bulanaires that we can show the world why Fiji is the place where happiness finds you.”
The Bulanaires will work with Tourism Fiji to help share the ‘Bula Spirit’ with the world and reinforce why Fiji is the place where happiness finds you.
Nominations are still open to tourism partners and stakeholders and we encourage them to visit fiji.travel/Bulanaires for more information.