Steady Growth in South Pacific Tourism
Visitors to the South Pacific continued to grow in 2007. Visitor arrival statistics indicate that 1,334,685 people visited the region in 2007, an increase of 4.1 percent. south-pacific.travel Chief Executive Tony Everitt said “Given the increased cost of oil, this level of growth is a pleasing result. It shows that Tourism continues to lead economic development in the South Pacific.” Growth in visitors to the South Pacific Islands was double that to Australia and New Zealand in 2007, which both recorded a 2% increase in visitors. Globally visitor arrivals grew by 6.2%, but this was dragged up significantly by Asian destinations (eg China grew 10%) which have fast growing economies (World Tourism Organisation).

Strong visitor growth was recorded in Papua New Guinea (+34%), Solomon Islands (+19.7%), Vanuatu (+19.3%), Tonga (+16.7%), Niue (+15.1%), Kiribati (+6.9%), Samoa (+5.5%), and the Cook Islands (+5.4%). Factors driving growth include increased air services and destination marketing. Visitors from Australia to the South Pacific Islands increased by 6.9 percent in 2007, to 374,286. Visitors from New Zealand recorded growth of 7.8 percent, to 270,371. This continues a trend this decade of strong growth from our southern markets.  There was a decline in visitors travelling from northern markets of Europe (-0.4%), Japan (-6.8%), and the USA (-7.4%), although visitors from Asia (+36.7%) and Canada (+14.1%) grew strongly.

south-pacific.travel Chief Executive Tony Everitt said “Contribution from our southern markets has grown from 39% of total visitors in 2002 to 49% in 2007. We think this is about a good level to maintain – southern and northern markets each contributing half of our total visitors. For one thing, the South Pacific is an ideal winter escape for people living in temperate countries. We have two winters on our planet so it makes sense to draw on both. Also, we want to keep a balanced portfolio of markets so that we don’t become overly exposed to any local downturn.” For more information, contact hpoulivaati@south-pacific.travel

Papua New Guinea Tourism Image Library Set for Soft Launch in April
Papua New Guinea Tourism's new image library is set to go online in April with the release of the best 100 images captured so far. Brisbane based professional photographer David Kirkland and his understudy Colin Taimbari from PNG Tourism Promotion Authority have traveled to the Highlands, Islands and the Sepik capturing some of the most stunning imagery of PNG's tourism attractions which will go online. A major launch of the best 1000 images from across PNG will be in December, with the 3-year project set to end in 2009. Industry partners and stakeholders will be given access to use these images after the launch. (Source: PNGTPA Garamut Newsletter Issue 076 – March 2008)

2008 Tok Tok Vanuatu Dates Confirmed
The 2008 Vanuatu TOK TOK will be held in August Thursday 28th and Friday 29th. Tok tok in Vanuatu’s Bislama language means ‘get together and talk,’ and one wholesaler at the 2007 event said this had been achieved at a highly professionally level, with the event "outshining other trade shows, and being relaxed whilst informative, it imbued us with the way of life of Vanuatu." The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) that organizes the annual event is expecting an even larger attendance at this year’s event than the record-breaking 2007 Tok Tok, which has been praised variously by participants as "the best ever," "very educational," and "offering a fantastic amount of information in a short stay." VTO General Manager, Annie Niatu said registration for buyers and sellers for this year’s Tok Tok would open on 15th April, and be due on 15th July. " A total of 65 buyers from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, New Caledonia and Japan attended the 2007 event, and more than 70 local companies show-cased their hotels, resorts, bungalows, budget and backpacker accommodation, dive, game fishing, cultural and adventure tours, airline and cruise/charters, and the main islands of Efate, Espiritu Santo and Tanna."  "From indications already, we’re anticipating an even larger roll-up on both sides in 2008” states the VTO General Manager, Mrs Annie Niatu. Venue of event will be released shortly. Annie can be contacted on (678) 22685 / 22515 and email gmanager@tourism.vu for further enquiries. (Source: Vanuatu Tourism Tribal Drum Newsletter March 2008)

BSP Rally of Rock Takes on International Riders – 03rd May
The BSP Rally of the Rock is a rally for mountain bikes. Why Niue? Because it's hard and the tracks are fast. After trialing the event locally for a number of years the rally is going international. A challenge is going out to "international riders" that want to conquer the Rock to register before the 25th April.  All you have to do is beat the heat (elements), the terrain (the rock) and the clock over six special speed stages. The rally will be run on the same concept as a blind car rally. The competitors will only find out where they are going an hour before the start, so there is no time to practise on the actual rally tracks. Each rider will be given a map to guide them on the touring stages so there will be little chance of getting lost on the way to the special speed stages. Don't wait book now as flights are filling up fast for the month of May. Register online www.niueisland.com. Entries close on the 25th April 2008. (Source: Niue Now Newsletter Issue 11)

43 Percent More U.S. Cruise Passengers to Tahiti in February 2008
Tahiti welcomed more U.S. tourists in February for the first time since January 2007, but the 2.1 percent increase over February 2007 was mainly due to a 43.1 percent in the volume of American cruise ship passengers, according to the French Polynesia Statistical Institute (ISPF). The combined total of American visitors in February was only 98 more than a year ago, and only made a slight dent in the year-old slide in Tahiti's U.S. tourist market, the traditional biggest source of visitors for the Tahiti and Her Islands destination. (Source: Tahitipresse 28 March 2008)

VTO Participates in Tabua Awards BFTE 2008
VTO is excited to participate in this year’s Air Pacific Tabua Awards at BFTE 2008 taking place in June 4th -7th. This year marks the 13th BFTE event, and the venue will be held at Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa, Coral Coast, Viti Levu, Fiji Islands. At each BFTE event, there is an opportunity for products to participate in the Air Pacific Tabua awards which aims to acknowledge the talents, creativity and resourcefulness of marketing efforts of those promoting not just Fiji but other South Pacific tourism destinations around the world. This year The Awards has a new look and for the first time, there is a category created for National Tourism Offices to qualify for categories I through to M, which the VTO has been offered a place, and has submitted a colorful and informative blend of VTO promotional items that fall under categories for Poster, Internet Website, CD Roms & DVDs, Media, and Electronic Advertisement. (Source: Vanuatu Tourism Tribal Drum Newsletter March 2008)

AAA Tourism Fiji Star Rating Scheme
AAA Tourism which operates the renowned STAR Rating Scheme for accommodation properties in Australia and Fiji, now has a representative based year-round in Fiji. The Association welcomes the appointment of Barbara Scott, a Fiji resident, to be the AAA Tourism person in Fiji. This will facilitate matters between AAA Tourism and the FIHTA members and will assist in developing a closer working relationship between the two organizations. Dixon Seeto the FIHTA President urges members to seriously consider joining the AAA Tourism Rating Scheme as this will help better matching of customer's requirements and prepare for the Government’s intention to have a national rating scheme. Contact Barbara Scott at aaatourism@connect.com.fj for further information. (Source: AAA Tourism)

New Niue Travel Offers for 2008
New Zealanders should search out the House of Travel's newest production, South Pacific 2008. It's got the latest travel packages for Niue, and features some stunning new images of our tropical home. In particular, check out the most lyrical shot of a large group of dolphins we have ever seen - it's by Colin Gans, of www.underwaterdisplay.net  and truly captures what it's like to swim with dolphins. Hot off the press, this book is now available at all House of Travel shops throughout New Zealand. (Source: Niue Now Newsletter Issue 11)

Web Stats for south-pacific.travel
www.south-pacific.travel received 87,340 visitors in March 2008.

Explore Fiji to Launch Second Chinese Edition
Explore Fiji Chinese edition will launch its second issue in late July 2008 targeting distribution during the XXIX Olympic Games in Beijing and to major outbound tour operators in China. Capitalise on this unique advertising exposure through Explore Fiji Chinese edition at the Beijing Olympics as it provides an excellent opportunity for your business or property.  The Games (opens August 8th 2008) will attract worldwide participants, fans and holidaymakers. In addition to the Games, the publication will be widely distributed to Chinese travel and trade stakeholders: primarily the CNTA-endorsed (China National Tourism Association) outbound tour operators, most with headquarters in Beijing and a diverse network across China including Shanghai and Guangzhou. Explore Fiji Chinese edition will also continue to enjoy distribution at various travel, trade and cultural expos and fairs within China where Fiji is a participant. In continuing its mission to promote Fiji as a travel destination and boost market awareness, Suva-based Chew Publishing Co. Ltd has linked up with the Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau in a Promotional Co-operative in Conjunction with Industry that offers Advertisers an attractive tax rebate. Focusing on Fiji as an ideal travel destination, the publication will educate and create awareness as it serves as a guide profiling everything that is of interest to the Chinese holiday and/or business traveller. Explore Fiji Chinese edition also fills a much-needed requirement in the China outbound travel industry market. The print run will be 10,000 copies. For advertising and other information, contact Explore Fiji publisher Connie Chew via email: explorefiji@yahoo.com or call: (679) 3320 978. (Source: Explore Fiji)

Air Chatham Starts Tonga Domestic Service April 14
Air Chatham, Tonga's second domestic air operator will begin its service to Vava'u and Ha'apai on April 14, according to Russell Jenkins, the airline's Tonga General Manager. Russell said that they will initially fly twice daily to Vava'u, and three times weekly to Ha'apai from Monday to Saturday. "In May we will introduce new flights to 'Eua at the same time increase the Ha'apai flights to be done daily. "We are starting off with flights to Vava'u and Ha'apai because we do not have a suitable aircraft to fly to 'Eua and Ha'apai but in May we will add to our fleet a nine-seater Islander aircraft suitable for the smaller islands," said Russell. The airline will service Vava'u and Ha'apai with a 50 seater Convair aircraft and an 18 seater Metro aircraft. "We are excited about this new opportunity, we have operated here in the past as a chartered airline, now we will operate under our own right and we hope to provide a good service to the people of Tonga." (Source: Matangi Tonga Online 01 April 2008)

‘INBOUND’ to be Launched Soon
INBOUND a publication that has been introduced by long time publishers Markat Publications to enhance news and information being produced for tourism industry operators and related professionals in New Zealand and The Pacific Islands. The first edition is expected to be distributed on 25 April. INBOUND is a business and trade publication that assists tourism operators, hospitality and events professionals with new and innovative ideas. The publication is an industry watchdog that backs up crusading journalism with a dose of great news. For more information, e-mail: gary@markat.co.nz (Source: INBOUND)

Rare Sea Bird Rediscovered off Papua New Guinea
A rare sea bird not sighted since the 1920s and feared extinct has been rediscovered by a British expedition in waters off Papua New Guinea. The critically endangered Beck's petrel was re-discovered in the Bismarck Archipelago, in the south-west Pacific Ocean, north-east of Papua New Guinea. The Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club published a paper about the expedition by its leader, Israeli ornithologist and writer Hadoram Shirihai. It's been classified as critically endangered, which is just one step off extinction, but this new sighting confirms the bird is still around, which is fantastic news. Many of the petrels were discovered off the southern tip of New Ireland. It is not known why the bird is so rare and effort would now turn to preserving the species. (Source: PNGTPA Garamut Newsletter Issue 076 – March 2008)