SPTO a Nominee for World Travel Awards
The South Pacific Tourism Organisation has been announced a nominee of the 19th World Travel Awards, voted by travel agents worldwide, in the 2012 World Travel Awards for Australasia in the category of Australasia's Leading Tourist Board 2012 alongside Cook Islands Tourism, Fiji Tourism, New Zealand Tourism Board, Tahiti Tourism, Tourism Australia. Now celebrating its 19th anniversary, the awards is regarded as the very highest achievement that a travel product could ever hope to receive. Votes are cast by 217,000 travel professionals which include travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations in over 160 countries across the globe. Full list of nominations is available on the WTA website at www.worldtravelawards.com/nominees. The official online voting is now open at www.worldtravelawards.com/vote. For more information click here and here. (Source: World Travel Awards 23 March 2012)

Tonga welcomes visitors to celebrate life of a King
While Tonga continues to mourn the passing of His Majesty King George Tupou V, tourism authorities remind visitors that business continues as usual in the Island Kingdom. Tonga is currently observing a three-month mourning period, however the Tongan Ministry of Tourism is advising all planned and potential visitors to the country that tourism will remain unaffected. Tonga Ministry of Tourism Acting Director Ms Sandra Fifita says the sudden and unexpected passing of the King has further unified the tight knit communities within the Kingdom. "While it is an incredibly sad time for Tongans around the world, there is a real beauty in the way the country comes together to celebrate the life of such a well loved and respected monarch as King George Tupou V.The coming months offer a completely unique cultural experience to those planning to visit Tonga, the only remaining Kingdom in the South Pacific, says Fifita. Read more. (Source: The Australian 23 March 2012)

Self famils huge success for Niue
Niue's self famil programme for retail agents and wholesalers has had a 100% positive feedback rate, according to Niue Tourism's senior tourism development manager Hayden Porter. 'We've had 70 agents through in the last year and its been unbelievable to the point that agents are coming back at their own expense,' say Porter. Read more. (Source: Travelinc 19 March 2012) Pictures: Left:- Melissa Bramley, Infinity; Mandy Veale, Mondo and Wayne Deed, GO Holidays. Middle: Vanessa Marsh, Niue Tourism and Suzie Williams from Hogan & Associates. Right: Hayden Porter back far right with travel agents

The Micronesia Challenge
Conservation International pledged to support the development of the Micronesia Challenge to preserve the natural resources that are crucial to the survival of Pacific traditions, cultures and livelihoods in this region. This commitment reflects Conservation International’s support for the continued development of sustainable financing for protected areas in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands via the Micronesia Challenge.  The Pacific Oceanscape has been mandated by all the governments in the region, and includes the Phoenix Islands Protected Area in Kiribati (the world’s second-largest marine protected area), and the Cook Islands Marine Park, currently in development, which will become the world’s largest marine park when it is designated later this year. Read more. (Source:  Yokwe Online 19 March 2012)

The latest from the Cooks
Phase one of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s Destination Development Strategy for Atiu Island has been completed. Over the past six months, a series of programmes identified within the strategy and developed in consultation with the island tourism operators and broader community have been rolled out across the island. They include the appointment of the Destination Atiu Officer, Ngametua Mokoroa; the establishment of a dedicated Tourism Office housing the Atiu Visitor Centre and the upgrade of the Atiu Airport terminal. The Visitor Centre will serve as a one stop shop for visitors to the island providing information and itinerary ideas. Read more. (Source: TravelInc 19 March 2012) Picture: Ngametua Mokoroa the New Destination Atiu Visitor Centre Officer

Sala Rasari Joins Intercontinental Fiji
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is proud to announce the appointment of Sala Rasari to Club InterContinental Manager. Ms. Rasari joins award-winning InterContinental Fiji following 5 years as Resort Manager at Liku Liku Lagoon Resort- another of Fiji’s acclaimed luxury resorts. Previous to this Ms. Rasari spent 10 years in management at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Read more. (Source: Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa Media Release 23 March 2012)

Ukraine agents discovers what matters in Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Tourism Office, with the assistance of Rosie Holidays, welcomed its first big trade famil from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). From Tuesday 28th February to Saturday 03rd March, 15 retail travel agents from Ukrainian escorted by their outbound operator, Jakera Travel, discovered what matters throughout Vanuatu islands. They went on a capital city discovery tour, visited Efate island major touristic attractions such as Mele Cascades and did site inspections in major resorts. During the course of their famil, the VTO and Ekasup Cultural Village co hosted a Melanesian feast which was thoroughly enjoyed by the overseas delegates. A highlight of their trip was the visit to Yasur active volcano. The VTO would like to thank the following industry partners for their support towards the famil Adventures in Paradise, Warwick Le Lagon Resort, Evergreen Tours, Grand Hotel, Iririki Island Resort, Holiday Inn Resort, White Grass Ocean Resort, Breakas Beach Resort, and Nafonu Tatoka Tours. Left to right: VTO General Manager Linda Kalpoi, and Marketing Manager Sebastien Bador pose with the agents at Ekasup cultural village. The group enjoys a Vanuatu cultural experience followed by reciprocating the experience by sharing Ukranian traditional dance to the team here.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

CONSULTANCY AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
The SPTO is implementing the Pacific Regional Tourism Capacity Building Programme (PTRCBP), which is funded by the European Union under the 10th EDF.  Within the framework of this 3-year project, the SPTO will carry out a number of activities in beneficiary countries across the South Pacific region.  For these activities, the Organisation will require technical assistance and related professional services. 
To enable the SPTO to build up a register of consulting companies and individuals who wish to be considered for forthcoming invitations to submit proposals for various assignments, we invite expressions of interest for the following broad areas of work.

1.   Development and promotion of the cruise shipping sector in the South Pacific including
      production of a South Pacific Cruise Shipping Manual
2.   Technical assistance in tourism statistics collection, compilation and online dissemination
      including training of NTO/national statistics office staff
3.   Design, implementation, analysis and report production of visitor surveys including cruise
      passenger surveys
4.   Niche tourism market research studies
5.   Tourism SME support and development including market access facilitation, website
      development and e-marketing training
6.   Preparation of a South Pacific regional tourism training needs analysis and HRD plan
7.   Organisational review of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation
8.   Travel photography of island countries in the region with a view to compiling image
      libraries for the SPTO and beneficiary NTOs including data-basing the digital images
      produced

Interested companies and individuals can advise the SPTO of their interest to be considered for any of the above fields by writing to the following address and indicating their specific field of interest and also providing an outline of their expertise and related experience:

Level 3 FNPF Place, 343-359 Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji Islands or P O Box 13119, Suva, Fiji Islands. 

Email: info150903@spto.org  or tourism@spto.org.   Website: www.spto.org 

There is no deadline for expressions of interest, as prospective assignments under the above broad areas will be launched at various stages in the coming months.

SPTO welcome one new member;
Beqa Adventure Divers is a PADI Dive resort specialising in   the best shark diving the world has to offer. We are a modern dive operation fusing Fijian hospitality with world class diving facilities. Our dive base at Lagoon Resort in Pacific Harbour is ideally suited to whisk you out to the incredible shark diving or beautiful reefs and mysterious wrecks of Beqa Lagoon in a matter of minutes and our FREE courtesy shuttle from anywhere in Pacific Harbour makes getting to us a breeze.  For more information, visit their website; www.fijisharkdive.com

Cruise Shipping – A Priority Segment for Pacific Islands
Recent research by SPTO revealed that only about 1 percent of global cruise passengers will take a cruise in Pacific Islands in 2012, with 75 percent of those passengers originating from Australia. This indicates the huge potential for growth in cruise tourism business for the region. An SPTO team, led by CEO Mr. Ilisoni Vuidreketi, returned from a fact finding mission at the Seatrade Cruise Convention in Miami USA in March 2012. Mr. Vuidreketi said, “We acknowledge the untapped opportunities in Cruise Tourism business and our aim is to assist in the sustainable growth and development of the cruise tourism sector in Pacific Islands”. SPTO established contacts with key cruise line operators and other important cruise industry representatives at the Miami event so as to develop a useful network of contacts to assist SPTO’s cruise development activities for the region in the next 3 years. A Cruise Shipping market intelligence report is being put together for distribution to SPTO members, particularly cruise sector stakeholders. Pictured: Mr. Ilisoni Vuidreketi seated front far left with other pacific island country delegates - Mr. Tarataake Teannaki obscured standing 4th from left middle row.

Intercontinental Baristas Grind Through The Competition
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa made their mark at the Denarau’s International Food & Wine festival, winning first and second place in a fierce competition to find the best baristas in the country. Kurk Cheer Simpson took home the respected title of ‘Fiji’s best barista’ with colleague Saleshni Gounder following closely winning second place.  “Kurk and Saleshni have been committed to the art of coffee making and were diligent in their training leading up to the competition”, said Director of Food & Beverage and mentor to the competitors. Read more. (Source: Intercontinental Resort & Spa Media Release 20 March 2012) Photo: L-R Lynette Richards, Saleshni Gounder (2nd place) Aswin Kumar and Kurk Simpson (1st place)

Aircalin's cabin refurbishment
Aircalin, New Caledonia's international airline, will refurbish its Airbus A330 cabins this year. There will be more individual space in economy, 'shell' type seats in Hibiscus Class (business) which will become a true sleeper when pushed back and, for all passengers, the latest in-flight entertainment system with large choice of films, games and music on demand. Read more. (Source: Travelinc 22 March 2012)

The Best Shark Dive in the World!
Fiji’s famous Shark Dive! The Beqa Adventure Divers also winners of  the Tourism Sustainability Award at the 2011 AON Fiji Excellence In Tourism Awards 2011!! Known as the best shark dive in the world is where one can experience  the closest shark feeding  encounter and experience the breathtaking sight of up to eight species of Sharks, and more than 400 species of tropical reef fish. All this on one single dive. More information click here.

New Tuesday flight announced from Brisbane to Port Moresby
Making it easier to fly to Papua New Guinea Airlines PNG have announced a new flight from Brisbane to Port Moresby on Tuesdays – which means it is now possible to fly with them and its code share, Virgin Australia, five days a week. To celebrate the announcement of this new Tuesday flight, which starts from the 27 March 2012, Airlines PNG is offering a special rate of AUD$179 for flights Brisbane to Port Moresby on Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri during the travel period of 22 March to 19 June 2012. Booking needs to be made before the 31 March 2012. With even more options and days flying to Papua New Guinea – what are you waiting for? Visit www.apng.com.  (Source: PNGTPA  PNG Garamut # 1 - March 2012)

Fiji Matai famil invite
Tourism Fiji in conjunction with Air Pacific invites agents to be part of the upcoming Fiji Matai Famil held from March 29 – April 5 2012 (7 nights only). The aim is to ensure that retail travel partners are well versed with Fiji and experience the destination and the array of tourism offerings available. Cost for each famil is $350 plus GST and includes return AKL-NAN-AKL on FJ; seven nights accommodation; most meals and transfers. Download the full pdf and register.

Dive Worldwide at London International Dive Show (LIDS)
Come along and meet the Dive Worldwide team at the London International Dive Show, (LIDS), next weekend, 31 Mar - 01 Apr, at London's ExCel.  Their team of diving experts will be on Stand 300 with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority team ready to answer questions, give advice and talk to you about their exciting diving holidays. Plus, they will have plenty of Show Special Offers ideal for a late getaway, or if you're planning ahead!  Immerse yourself as you dive into one of their resort-based or live aboard holidays in beautiful PNG, or wherever else in the world you want to explore - let them take you there. Read more. (Source Dive Worldwide 21 March 2012)

Crusoe's Retreat hosts Classic Hits wedding
Fiji's Crusoe's Retreat hosted NZ Classic Hits radio station's 'leap year wedding' recently following the on-air proposal by Catherine to Sinclair on February 29. Air Pacific flew the couple to Fiji where they enjoyed a wedding and five nights accommodation for them and their two witnesses courtesy of Crusoe’s Retreat. Crusoe’s extended an additional two days to the couple as a honeymoon. Read more. (Source: TravelInc 11 March 2012) Crusoe's Retreat managers Toni and Peter Stallard with the happy couple Catherine and Sinclair Hill

The Hotel Space is Adding New Product Range to Their Online Catalogue
Good news for all of you who are regular customers of The Hotel Space, the people to contact when you are looking to service your hotel, motel or hospitality venue. The Hotel Space are currently undertaking a major review of their website and adding to their already extensive range. They work with high quality products fit for purpose and which are suitable for all commercial applications. They work with Bed and Breakfasts, boutique hotels, motels and larger hotel chains. Read more. (Source: PRWire 21 March 2012)

What to do in Vanuatu March available now
The Vanuatu Tourism Office’s official newspaper What To Do in Vanuatu has a great new look and feel reflecting all of the brand elements in March’s issue. Please download your copy here. The VTO would like to acknowledge the Vanuatu Daily Post for publishing and printing the newspaper, with the assistance of Blue Planet Media + Communications for the new design.

Samoa - 1 of the greatest dream destinations
Samoa plays host to a mixture of Western and Polynesian culture that makes it a great place to visit. Aspects of traditional Polynesian culture have been kept alive and blended with incoming Western influences, and still a fascinating foreign experience.  Read more in the Samoa Tourism Weekly Circular and updates on tourism in Samoa.

Micronesia: the Next Cruise Discovery?
A hitherto unknown patch of the North Pacific Ocean could well feature more frequently in cruise itineraries if the newly formed Micronesian Cruise Association (MCA) have their way. Launched twelve months ago, the MCA have been busy exhibiting the region at trade and tourism conferences and gaining some success for the sprawling array of tiny island nations and states.  Read more. (Source: USA Today.Travel  The Avid Cruiser (blog) 16 March 2012)

UB40 to celebrate Samoa's 50th Independence
World famous British reggae group, UB40, is coming to Samoa. Henry Wulf, the man behind the much-anticipated concert in June, says the confirmation of the group’s visit is fantastic news for fans here, especially on a milestone year such as our 50th Independence celebration. Read more. (Source: Samoa Tourism website News/Samoa Observer 18 March 2012)

70 years on from the Kokoda campaign
Today, trekking the Kokoda Track is more than a pilgrimage– trekking tourism provides employment for locals and helps cement the bond between today’s generation of Australians and Papua New Guineans. Kokoda - this is often the first thought Australians have when Papua New Guinea is mentioned. Kokoda70.org has been developed to commemorate the 70th anniversary and raise awareness of what took place. Learn more about the anniversary at Kokoda70.org. Click here. (Source: PNGTPA  PNG Garamut # 1 - March 2012)