To qualify, agents simply have to complete the South Pacific Specialist Programme, an on-line training module that teaches them how to sell South Pacific holidays.

Diving in the Pacific islands region is one of five niche areas covered in the training, which helps travel agents develop and enhance their knowledge on the unique tourism products and services that are available throughout the tropical South Pacific.

The online programme is aimed at helping travel agents increase their confidence and ability to sell the South Pacific with passion and loyalty.

At present, there are 458 certified South Pacific Specialist agents across the globe mainly from Australia, Canada, China, Europe, India, United Kingdom and United States.

The eight-night Fiji dive package being launched is offered in conjunction with Tourism Suncoast, the regional destination organization for the Suncoast region,  focused on promoting travel in the northwest of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu.

The prize is inclusive of four nights’ accommodation at Wananavu Beach Resort and four nights at Volivoli Beach Resort with full buffet breakfast and underwater expedition. Meet and greet upon arrival in Fiji and transfers to Suncoast is being offered with the compliments of Tours Managers Fiji.

In launching the competition, SPTO chief executive officer Chris Cocker said: “Fiji and other Pacific island countries offer some of the best diving in the world, with high potential to drive tourism development into the region.”

“Although it is a niche market, dive tourism has proven to be particularly effective in stimulating responsible tourism in new destinations. We’re particularly proud to support Tourism Suncoast in educating international travel agents under our South Pacific Specialists programme on not only the great diving offerings but the beauty of the Suncoast as an emerging destination within Fiji,” he added.

Cocker stated that Fiji, as the soft coral capital of the world, offers a range of diving experiences across the country and that Suncoast, known for its pristine and un-crowded environment, is well suited for tourists and travellers of all types who are looking for a special kind of diving and holiday experience not offered elsewhere in Fiji.

The Suncoast region features the Bligh Waters, or more recently the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape, one of the country’s precious underwater jewels, known after the small volcanic island Vatu-i-Ra, a national park and bird sanctuary with beautiful white sand beaches.

The closing date for the competition is the 23rd September 2016. To register and complete the South Pacific Specialist training, visit www.southpacificspecialist.org.

Based in Suva, SPTO works with 16 Pacific island countries to market and develop tourism in the South Pacific region.