Tourism Fiji is redefining the meaning of true wealth as a measurement of happiness. Its new "Bulanaires list," a play on the traditional Fijian greeting, is a global list of individuals who are rich in happiness and kicks off its new campaign that addresses what most people are actually seeking in life: happiness.
Professor Lea Waters, a psychologist, scientist, author and TEDx speaker who specializes in positive psychology, helped compile the list and said: "Bulanaires redefines the way we measure success. A common measure of success is often portrayed through the annual 'rich lists' that showcase the increased number of billionaires each year. But perhaps instead, we need to consider finding happiness and contentment as a measure for being rich."
Global happiness is on the decline, and the tourism board's new initiative ties into the brand ethos "where happiness finds you." The campaign also focuses on what sets Fiji apart from other destinations-its people-and also creates an inaugural list of "Bulanaires," celebrating people rich in happiness.
"The inaugural Bulanaire list celebrates people from across the world who inspire us and share happiness with those around them," said Waters.
The list includes hospitality hero, Eroni Bole; Tomasi Kinikinilau, who loves sharing the love; Kate Fitzsimons, who is on a mission to help youth; Steven Andrews, hailed as one of Fiji's friendliest hotel general managers; professional surfer Kelly Slater; Jeff Probst, host of television's "Survivor;" and more representing Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Asia, India and Europe.
The campaign has also partnered with Arianna Huffington and Thrive Global for a global rollout, starting today, the International Day of Happiness.
"Happiness and well-being are not just magical traits that some are blessed with and others are not - they're a way of living and working that we can nurture and grow," commented Arianna Huffington, CEO of Thrive Global and an advocate for happiness and wellbeing in the workplace.
Family and community are of huge importance to Fijians, and the people of Fiji love spreading their happiness and warmth to visitors traveling to its 333 islands, which offer year-round warmth, and is only 10 hours from the U.S. West Coast.
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