Border ajar

AUCKLAND, Today: Tourism Fiji has launched its new global campaign via Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, announcing Fiji is officially Open for Happiness.

The campaign goes live as the island nation’s borders are now reopened for quarantine-free travel for fully-vaccinated visitors from Australia, the UK, US and New Zealand among others.

Bringing the concept of Open for Happiness to life, the spot features Rebel Wilson escaping the hustle and bustle of Hollywood life to glamorously wash up on Fiji’s pristine shores. Welcomed with a friendly Bula (Fijian for hello), she then embarks on an adventure to experience all that the idyllic islands have to offer.

Directed by LA-based Fredrik Bond, the film is the evolution of the existing Fiji communication platform, Where Happiness Finds You and features Fijian locals throughout. Following a private gig with Rebel Wilson, Top Fijian vocalist and musician, Kuki, appears with a guitar in hand on a passing boat in one scene. 

“Currently Fiji recognises Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson.”

Shot over two days in early November, the campaign displays the Fijian water, beaches, mountains and the six-star Vomo Island Resort.

Growing up in Australia, Rebel has fond memories of visiting Fiji as a child and was delighted to return as an adult to shoot the Open for Happiness campaign.

Rebel Wilson said: “I had the best time filming this campaign, there really is nothing like the white sand and clear waters of Fiji. It is truly breath-taking.

“But even more than the landscape, I love Fiji the most for its people. Everyone greets you with a smile and a ‘bula’, the warmth and hospitality of everyone I met is something I will always remember.”

“Rebel was ideal for bringing this story to life with her Australasian connection to the Pacific – and of course she’s a damn funny and talented actor.”

Tourism Fiji CMO Emma Campbell, CMO said: “What a pleasure it was working with someone so talented, and who truly embraced everything Fiji is about.

“I would also like to thank Rebel, the TF marketing team, Fiji Airways, Vomo Island Resort, the Fijian Government, Saatchi & Saatchi, Fredrik and the whole production crew for making this beautiful campaign happen around the challenges that Covid presented.

“Now that local vaccination rates have reached 90% of our adult population, Fiji can safely welcome fully vaccinated visitors back to our shores. Currently Fiji recognises Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson.

Saatchi CCO Steve Cochran said: “As we emerge from a time of lockdowns, Fiji certainly offers the world something special for those who are looking to put some fun back into their life, but in a meaningful way.

“Fiji’s platform of Where Happiness Finds You was perfectly set for the mindset of travellers right now. We thought Rebel was ideal for bringing this story to life with her Australasian connection to the Pacific, having her own personal transformation journey and of course she’s a damn funny and talented actor.”

CREDITS

Client: Tourism Fiji
CEO: Brent Hill
CMO: Emma Campbell
Brand Manager: Sera Cawanibuka
Consumer Marketing Officer: Anaseini Bakaniceva
Creative Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi NZ
CEO: Mark Cochrane
CCO: Steve Cochran
Senior Creative: Cece Chu
Senior Creative: Ryan Price
Executive Producer: Jane Mill
Head of Planning: David McIndoe
Head of Account Management: Susie Darling
Senior Business Manager: Chase Sullivan
Global Media Agency: Starcom
Media – Group Business Director: Paul Hamilton
Global PR Agency: Herd MSL
Managing Director: Isobel Kerr-Newell
PR Lead: Beccy Churchill
Production Company: Flying Fish
Director: Fredrik Bond
Producer: James Moore
Executive Producer: Samantha Attenborough
DOP: Crille Forsberg FSF
Editor: Patric Ryan (Marshall Street Editors)
Post Production: MandyVFX
Grade: Matic Prusnik
VFX: Anita Ward
Service Company: USA crew: MJZ LA
MJZ Producer: Alicia Richards
MJZ Executive Producer: Kate Leahy
MJZ Production Manager: Yvonne Ortiz
Fiji Line Producer: Nic Leggett
Audio: Franklin Rd Music & Sound

About travel to Fiji
Apart from the required tests and documents needed to board their flights, all travellers to Fiji must have an minimum three-night accommodation booking at your resort, boat, island or hotel), and will also be required to undertake a mandatory Rapid Covid-19 diagnostic test 48 hours after their arrival.

During these first 48 hours, visitors are free to enjoy Fiji (with QR codes and proof of vaccination).

• www.fiji.travel/FAQ