Visitor Arrival Continues to Rise
There has been an increase in visitors’ arrival into the country during the past 5 months compared to the same period last year.

A total of 12,579 visitors arrived into Tonga during the past 5 months, an increase of 5.2% over the same period last year. Canada led in arrivals recording a total of 165 up 41% over last year. Australia was also up by 15% over last year with 2254, as was New Zealand that jumped to 10% over the previous year. USA provided 2058 arrivals 10% down from last year while other countries showed an increase in growth. An overall visitor arrival for the last five (5) months has been increasing compared to last year.

The Tonga Visitors Bureau predicted that visitors to the country for this year will keep on rising compared to previous years.

Rent-A-Boat Service
You may have seen the bright yellow boats with the "RENT-A-BOAT" sign on them running around. Their new, drive it yourself service is sparking interest with tourists. This is an interesting way for them to see some of the island resorts for a drink or a meal and to experience Vava'u from the water. They offer commissions to operators who call them with a RENT-A-BOAT booking. For more information, call Robert at 71 311.

Ha’apai Office
The new office of the Tonga Visitors Bureau in Ha’apai was officially opened on Saturday 23, August 2003 by Hon. Malupo the Governor of Ha’apai.

The Minister Responsible for Tourism, Hon Dr. Massasso Paunga said on Saturday that the new Tonga Visitors Bureau office in Ha’apai is a symbol of the future.

He also said that the continued and sustained growth in Tonga’s tourism industry had come about not just because Tonga was seen as a safe and desirable destination, but because “we are all working together in a more coordinated and professional manner.”

The Tonga Tourism Project initiated this new building but without the solid support of both AusAid and NZAid it would have only stayed a dream.

Present at the opening were the H.E Mr. Warwick Hawker, NZ High Commissioner; Dr. Taiamoni Pifeleti, Senior Program Officer with AusAid represented Australia and other government officials. Staffs of the Tonga Visitors Bureau were also present to mark this special occasion.

Comments OR News to Share?

If you have any comments or news to share, please send to:

Tonga Visitors Bureau
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tel: (676) 25 334
Fax: (676) 23 507
Email: tvb@kalianet.to
Website: www.tongaholiday.com