Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Trade Tourism and Transport, Shaheen Ali,
Film Fiji Acting CEO,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
It gives me great pleasure to announce the successful premier of the 10 episode of the “World’s Toughest Race” – Eco challenge Fiji
The highly-anticipated adventure challenge, “World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji”, on Amazon Prime Video represents the highest-ever spend by a media production in Fiji, with $30.6 million injected into the Fijian economy.
The 10-episode series, premiered on Friday 14th August [Saturday Fiji GMT+12] on Amazon Prime Video, showcasing Fiji’s budding adventure tourism industry to an estimated 150 million Prime Video subscribers in over 200 countries.
Ladies and Gentlemen
The historic 30-million-dollar spend behind the production has been beneficial to some of Fiji’s most isolated rural and maritime communities, by way of investments in village improvements and a contestant-led book drive for Fijian children.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The production of Eco-Challenge Fiji is a positive sign that Fiji is capable of hosting major international productions. While we are no stranger to reality TV series being filmed here, the World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji had camera crews following 66 teams from 30 countries 24/7 across 671km of some of Fiji’s roughest terrain.
Universally, audiences will have an opportunity to catch a side of Fiji that extends further than our 5-star resorts and white sandy beaches. It will show that we are multi-faceted with staggering waterfalls, lush tropical rain forest, white water rapids and breathtaking vistas.
At this juncture, I would also like to extend my gratitude to the dedicated staff of Film Fiji, the Fiji Police Force, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, and the Office of the Prime Minister, the Divisional Commissioners, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport for their tremendous support throughout the production process.
And of course a big Vinaka to our Fijian teams – Team Tabusoro and Team Namoko, who participated. I know the entire country has been behind you in support. So thank you for supporting Team Fiji!
Vinaka Vakalevu