By Samantha Magick
Tourism Fiji says it is postponing the implementation of its Bulanaires campaign in New Zealand.
“Tourism Fiji sends our deepest condolences and sympathies to everyone in New Zealand impacted by the devastating situation in Christchurch,” the tourism body told Islands Business magazine today.
Several New Zealand companies, including Westpac NZ and LottoNZ, have disclosed this week they are pausing their advertising on Facebook in response to the platform’s actions during and following the Christchurch terrorist attack on two mosques.
They, and NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have taken issue not only with the live streaming of the attack on two Christchurch mosques, but also the subsequent response, and continued proliferation of the video on Facebook and other platforms.
Islands Business asked Tourism Fiji whether it would follow suit as one of Fiji’s biggest advertisers and brands on the social media platform. Three Fijians died in the attacks.
“Tourism Fiji uses Facebook as a marketing channel with a large following on our FB pages and posts,” the organisation says.
“The Bulanaires platform is all about sharing Fiji’s unique Blue Spirit and celebrating not only Fijian but people who inspire others from across the globe. Facebook is one of many channels where the platform is promoted.”