Marriott International this week hosted its third annual Destination Pacific Islands events, which saw travel industry professionals gather with regional representatives at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park and Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands to learn about the latest offerings at the company’s hotels and resorts in Fiji, Samoa and New Caledonia.

Fiji continues to grow in stature on the luxury travel scene as multiple resorts place an emphasis on their conservation and sustainability strategies. New authentic, cultural experiences to showcase the island group’s diversity are increasingly drawing Australian travellers to Fiji’s lesser-known outer islands.

A cluster of newbuild upmarket resort openings in Fiji over the past 18 months has contributed significantly to the South Pacific holiday hotspot being viewed by Australians as more than a family-friendly destination, but a location for a luxurious getaway, according to Tourism Fiji’s Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Stoeckel.