TIDES Samoa 2009 taking shape
The tourism investment and development program to be held in Samoa November 25 / 27 is taking shape now that several Island nations have submitted projects for partnership and investment and development communities abroad are receiving the message. PATA offices in Europe and in China are busy promoting the event through commercial and government connections. In addition to securing Anna Pollock of DestiCorp as the key note speaker the findings of an important study into the prospects for boosting the accommodation inventory in the region will be features of Day 1 of the program. Registrations at www.tidessamoa.com  are encouraged now to assure best possible accommodation in Apia. (Source: TIDES Samoa 2009)

South Pacific Tourism Holding Up
Visitor arrivals to the South Pacific have held up in the first 6 months of 2009 despite the Global Economic Downturn. 9 destinations have so far published figures for the first half of the year, showing a collective 2% decrease in arrivals over the same period last year. See Tony’s Blog for details.

Pacific Leaders Acknowledge Need to Support Tourism
Pacific Leaders at their meeting in Cairns acknowledged the need for “providing greater support to tourism, the region’s largest economic driver, and, in particular: accelerating development of emerging geographic and niche markets: improving access to Pacific destinations by air and sea; and continuing to build the capacity of small and medium service providers to cater to current and emerging international markets and generate employment opportunities.” (Forum Communique)

Cooks Go Qook in Korea
At a press conference in Seoul this week, Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister Hon Sir Teretai Maoate KBE (photo right) signed a MoU with Korean Telecom’s CEO (photo left). The conference attracted 60 TV, radio, and print journalists who enjoyed a Cook Islands cultural performance and generated a lot of coverage. Cooks Islands Tourism Chief Executive John Dean, who accompanied the Deputy PM, said “it’s publicity that money can’t buy”. See Tony’s Blog for more.

China National Tourism Chief To Visit Pata Travel Mart
China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Chairman Shao Qiwei is to attend the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Awards presentation ceremony in Hangzhou, China on September 25th. The CNTA has also confirmed that Vice Chairman Du Jiang will be present at the opening ceremony of the PATA Travel Mart in Hangzhou on September 23rd. The list of Gold Awards has been announced and can be seen at  http://www.pata.org/patasite/index.php?id=128 (Source: Travel Newsgram 30 August 2009)

Cooperating in Emerging Markets
Korea has been a challenging market in 2009. However, its economy is now picking up, meaning it's a good time to be thinking about product development. Photo: Cook Islands Tourism CEO John Dean with Tourism New Zealand's Korea office's Hee Jeong and Sora this week. Dean was exlporing opportunities for dual destination products from the Korean market. See Tony's Blog for more.

Tarawa and Outer Island Guide advertising opportunities
The Kiribati National Tourism Office will soon be opening up opportunities by operators and relevant service providers to obtain advertising in the 2010 Tarawa and Outer Island Visitor Guide. This guide has been successful in informing incoming visitors of the many activities and tours available and has also increased visitation to outer islands. Mr George Kum Kee, KNTO’s marketing officer will be circulating the adverting prospectus shortly. If you have not received a copy please contact the Mr Kum Kee via email at tourisminfo@mcttd.gov.ki. (Source: Te Kaongora Kiribati National Tourism Office August Newsletter)

Tahiti's Ina Pater 4th runner-up in Miss Tourism Queen International 2009
Ina Pater of Tahiti was the fourth runner-up in Friday's Miss Tourism Queen International 2009, which was won by Ekaterina Grushanina of Russia in the contest held in Zhengzhou, China. >>> more (Source: Tahitipresse: Tourism People: 28 August 2009)

Vanuatu Tourism set to recognize the best in 2009
Vanuatu Tourism Awards Committee press release: Now in its 5th year, Vanuatu is set to recognize the 2009 “Tourism Stars”. We are pleased to advise that entries are now being accepted in the 2009 Vanuatu Tourism Awards. This year’s award categories give tourism operators and associated entities an opportunity to be recognised for their contribution to Vanuatu tourism. Read full article. (Source: Vanuatu Island Nius – Vanuatu Tourism Office weekly enewsletter 4 September 2009)

Miss Samoa Pageant
The Miss Samoa Pageant is an annual event at the national level which is devoted to advancing and supporting opportunities for young Samoan ladies. The fundamental nature of the Pageant is to recognize the various attributes that define the Samoan lady of today. This is encompassed in the Pageant’s theme for this year, “Humility, Elegance and Purity – Celebrating the Tamaitai Samoa.” This is also an integral event for Tourism as it aims to boost the tourism industry, promoting and reflecting the Samoan culture and strengthening friendships with the outside world. The Miss Samoa Pageant will be held on Friday 04th September 2009. For more information, please contact the Samoa Tourism Authority on Phone # (685) 63 500 or visit the Miss Samoa Pageant 2009 Website at www.misssamoa.ws

Steinlager Vaka Eiva 2009
Steinlager Vaka Eiva 2009 winner of the Supreme Award in the inaugural Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards held in July 2009. Held every November since 2004, the event has grown to be the largest annual event in the Cook Islands and an established event on the international paddling calendar. Combining the spectacle of competitive paddling at the highest level with more laid-back “fun in the sun” events served up with the inimitable Cook Islands hospitality means a festival with something for everyone. This is a week long festival that the whole island enjoys and is a part of, so come and join over 850 paddlers and their supporters flying in from New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, Hawaii, Guam and of course crews from Rarotonga and Aitutaki. This year, Steinlager Vaka Eiva will take place from 20-27 November (Source: Press Release Cook Island Tourism Corporation 28 August 2009)

Tok Tok Vanuatu 2009 ends
The 8th Annual “Tok Tok” was held in Port Vila, at the Sebel’s Tok Tok Village site on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th August 2009.  Jointly organized by the Vanuatu Tourism Office, in partnership with the local tourism industry, TokTok is the premium opportunity for tourism wholesalers and agents from around the world to meet with Vanuatu tourism providers. The success of Tok Tok 2009 would not have been possible without the generous support of the following major sponsors: ANZ Bank Vanuatu, Air Vanuatu, Airports Vanuatu Limited, Unelco, The Sebel Vanuatu, Adventures in Paradise, Iririki Island Resort, Events Vanuatu, Evergreen Tours Ltd, Azure Pure Vanuatu, and Vanuatu Tour Operators Association, and other associated sponsors and service providers.  (Source: Vanuatu Island Nius-Vanuatu Tourism Office weekly enewsletter 28 August 2009)

KNTO welcomes a new member to the team
The Kiribati National Tourism Office officially welcomes Grégoire Lopez-Rios who will be working with the KNTO as an Eco-Tourism Development officer in a voluntary capacity over the next five months. Grégoire has a wealth of experience having worked in eco-tourism development roles in locations such as Norfolk Island as well as Comoros in Africa. Grégoire will work closely with the KNTO’s Tourism Development Officer in assisting the growth of private tourism operators on North Tarawa and outer islands. (Source: Te Kaongora Kiribati National Tourism Office August newsletter)

Tourism celebrates a new member to their industry Pasi Lodge
NTDO report: 28th July 2009 marks a mile stone for another Ni-Vanuatu to join in the tourism industry of Vanuatu. Pasi Lodge located at the No. 2 area highlights the Government’s policy for greater Ni-Vanuatu participation in the tourism sector and for this Mr & Mrs. Abbock have become proud owners of a six unit lodge. Mr. Marokon Alilee, Director General for the Ministry of Tourism outlined in his official speech that ‘Private sector leading the economy growth’ only reinforces the theme of the CRP and for more Ni-Vanuatu’s to join in the tourism sector symbolizes that local investment is also what Vanuatu needs to build its economy on. Read complete article. (Source: Vanuatu Island Nius-Vanuatu Tourism Office weekly enewsletter 28 August 2009)

south-pacific.travel welcomes Japanese Volunteer
The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has provided south-pacific.travel with an IT volunteer for six months. south-pacific.travel welcomes Mr. Yasuyoshi Kimoto to the organization and look forward to his assistance in the Japanese website development and IT support. Mr. Kimoto is originally from Fujisawa, Japan and has experience in the technical field of Computer Technology. Prior to Yasuyoshi’s arrival to the Fiji Islands, he had previously worked for a computer company in Japan for 10 years. He looks forward to working with the south-pacific.travel ICT and Planning team and to learn more about the South Pacific region.

south-pacific.travel welcomes intern student
south-pacific.travel welcomes Mr. Erik Pfauth for a 5 month internship with the organisation. Erik is from Germany and is a masters student at the University of Applied Science of Eberswalde. He is pursuing a masters degree in Sustainable Tourism Management. Erik will be assisting the Marketing team in preparations for the ITB 2010 and developing Market Access Guides for the UK and France Markets. He will also be assisting the ICT and Planning team with research and web development during his internship with the organisation. Erik says he hopes that he will be able to learn more about how sustainable tourism is helping developing countries such as those in the Pacific Region during his time with the south-pacific.travel

Tourism Fiji backs booklet
Tourism Fiji is willing to help publisher Connie Chew when marketing Fiji as a destination to tourists. Board chairman Patrick Wong said they were proud of the work done by Ms Chew in her Explore Fiji publications distributed to most hotels. "She deserves our support as well as anyone who makes an effort to promote Fiji," he said. Mr Wong said Explore Fiji was one of the main booklets published locally." The booklet is in depth and well read and it is available in the main tourism properties." Jim Carney of Auckland, New Zealand said Ms Chew published an attractive guide to Fiji and its attractions during the past five years and last year published the first edition of Explore Fiji in the Chinese language. Mr Carney -- who worked with Ms Chew on the original Fiji Sun newspaper -- said the exercise was mounted at considerable personal expense. Ms Chew said her main focus was to promote Fiji always in a positive way.She believes everyone needed to work together to promote Fiji as a destination. (Source:Fiji Times  01st September  2009)

Carnival Australia Predicts Doubling in Cruise Visitors
See Tony’s Blog for details. Photo: Carnival’s Pacific Dawn pulls into Suva to a Police Band welcome

No childrens departure tax as of 1 Sept 2009
Cook Islands Tourism would like to remind all trade and retail partners that as of 1 September 2009, there will no longer be a departure tax charged for children aged 2-11 years upon leaving the Cook Islands. The only departure tax charge that will apply will be for Adults (12yrs +) NZ$55pp. Infants (0-2yrs) and transiting passengers are exempt. The Cook Islands Departure tax is not included in the cost of the airline ticket and may still be purchased at Westpac Bank either in Avarua township or at Rarotonga International airport. For any queries please contact Cook Islands Tourism Sales & Marketing manager Kelly Hansen on khansen@cookislands.co.nz  or ph 09 3661106. (Source: Press Release Cook Island Tourism New Zealand 28 August 2009)

Air Kiribati announces New Schedule
Air Kiribati has recently announced new flight schedules to the Gilbert Islands effective immediately. Go to http://visit-kiribati.com/images/stories/Flight.pdf  to download Air Kiribati’s new schedule. (Source: Te Kaongora Kiribati National Tourism Office August Newsletter)

Cook Islands Travel Guide Now Online
The Cook Islands chapter from Moon Handbooks South Pacific is now online at http://cookislands.southpacific.org/  The 125 pages of Cook Islands Travel Guide contain 15 detailed island maps and town plans, plus dozens of photos and line drawings. The material has been specially adapted for the internet. The accommodations listings are grouped according to price with six pages devoted to Rarotonga and four for Aitutaki, organized geographically. Many of the maps are clickable to more detailed maps and the highlighted pages are linked directly to specific references. A search box is also provided. These features make the site as easy or easier to use than a printed book. This is the seventh of the 15 chapters from Moon Handbooks South Pacific to go online, after the Samoa’s, Niue, Pitcairn, Tokelau, and Wallis and Futuna. For more info: contact@southpacific.org