Tourism Director Joins Company (Fiji)
Fiji Tourism Ministry director Keresoni Baledrokadroka joined a multi million-dollar tourism development company yesterday after spending 28 years in the civil service.  He said the move would enable him to learn more about the industry and venture out into investment projects in the future. Mr Baledrokadroka took up the post of chief executive officer for Fantasy and Juxta Beach Tourism projects at Wailoaloa in Nadi. The former schoolteacher said his expertise would see the successful completion of projects worth more than $60million in years to come. The company's managing director, Abbas Ali, said more than 90 per cent of major hotel developments in the country were owned by foreigners. He said expatriates were hired to run the businesses while locals who had the potential were left out. Mr Ali said hiring Mr Baledrokadroka was the best decision his board had made. After spending time in various government departments Mr Baledrokadroka had accumulated a wealth of experience to solve bureaucratic difficulties the company was facing. Mr Baledrokadroka joined the Ministry of Tourism in 2002 and worked in the Ministry of National Planning, University of the South Pacific and the Shangri-La Fijian Resort before that. He said he wanted to be an active part of tourism development. Mr Baledrokadroka said the hard work locals put into getting their projects off the ground always inspired him. He said his experience with the ministry and the private sector would help him reach the goals of his employer. Mr Baledrokadroka is passionate about the industry and knows locals have a lot of potential because they own the resources. (Source: Fiji Times 28/07/2005)

STA Ready for 2005 JATA World Tourism Conference & Trade Fair
Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) will send tourism organization, party of 9, representing Samoa Tourism Authority, Hotel, Travel Agent, to JATA World Tourism Conference & Trade Fair for this coming September 22-24 with the support of JICA Samoa. This is first time to make sales promotion to Japan about Samoa Tourism. The Japanese Outgoing Travelers came to 20 million a year, 800,000 to Australia, 165,000 to New Zealand, 30,000 to Fiji. Tourists from Japan to Samoa was 1,000 at the year of 2004. Aichi World Fair 2005 in August, JATA World Tourism Conference & Trade Fair in September are the two events the STA would participate in Japan for 2005. For Aichi World Fair, Samoa Tourism Authority will send 17 Samoa Dancers for Samoa National week, starting from Aug 30th and will perform Samoa Dance in front of 3000 audience at Expo Dom. Samoa Tourism Authority took over JICA senior volunteer 2004 and expected potential tourism market of Japan. At the JATA World Tourism Conference & Trade Fair, these delegates will organize Samoa Seminar & workshop exclusively for Japanese Travel Agent on 22nd of September along with consumer presentation at Samoa Pavilion (picture below) at Tokyo Big Sight. (Source: Samoa Tourism Authority 06/07/2005)

PNGTPA Meets Overseas Agents
Overseas destination marketing representatives for the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and national flag carrier Air Niugini were in town late June to present briefs of their respective markets. Kerry Bryd (USA), Rudiger Knospe (German), Stephan Hoffstrom and Svein Dieserud (Scadinavia & Baltics) and Per Seather (Norway) met with Air Niugini commercial manager Bob Martin and TPA chief executive officer Peter Vincent and divisional managers at the Gateway Hotel. They all agreed that such meetings on a regular basis was important for either party to know and appreciate what everyone was doing in terms of marketing PNG as a desired destination in the respective markets. The overseas representatives also took the opportunity to visit Lukim PNG, as well as visit other destinations in PNG. They will be back in October for the South Pacific Tourism Conference. (Source: PNGTPA Monthly Newsletter June 2005)

New Public Telephone Provides Better Service to Tourists Visiting Tonga
Tonga Communications Commission (TCC) is now in partnership with American based BBG Communications Inc to provide convenient international calls from any phone by opting for one of many cash-less payment options. This service allow customers to call anywhere in the world from any phone by simply dialing a toll free number or a short access code. The customer may then interact with live operators or an automated system in 14 International languages. The customer is provided with a variety of payment options such as collect calling, credit card, calling card etc. TCC, thru its partnership with BBG has installed an additional 15 public telephones which allow access to the BBG International Operator platform making calling from Tonga much more convenient for the tourist. Calling this platform can be done by simple one button access or thru a short speed dial code. Multilingual operator support, as well as increased billing options is now made possible thru this new platform. For the residents of Tonga, both local and long distance calling is now available from all of these new public phones by pushing a single button which has been set up to access the current TCC prepaid calling card system. As well, these new phones are equipped to handle toll free 911 emergency service calls. TCC has installed phones on seven (7) locations in Tongatapu, six (6) in Vava’u, and two (2) in Hapa’ai. TCC & BBG will continue to progressively install more telephones in Tonga as this service expands with the demand. (Source: Tonga Visitors Bureau)

gResource and Link Now Available for Use
In a move to help promote sustainable tourism development in the region, the South Pacific Tourism Organization has created links to all the workshops and conferences hosted by the SPTO in their dynamic website. The previous workshop on Sustainable Tourism Development ended on a high note in Nadi on 7th of June 2005 which heard from hoteliers, leading academics and the heads of National Tourism Offices from the Pacific, who discussed how tourism development within the region could encompass environmental conservation, cultural values, human resource development and commercial investment to achieve viable tourism growth. The Regional Tourism Strategy for the Central and South Pacific developed by SPTO identifies the need 'facilitate the sustainable development of tourism'. The Sustainable Tourism Workshop was held by SPTO to raise awareness among its Pacific member countries of the need to incorporate sustainable development principles into their national tourism development plans. The workshop highlighted the need for countries to advocate ethical tourism, to be proactive in sustainable tourism initiatives by government and industry operators, the integration of community tourism and the requirement to incorporate the protection of ecosystems and create sustainable livelihoods for industry stakeholders. A link has been created for the Sustainable Tourism Development Workshop on the SPTO website, click http://www.spto.org/spto/export/sites/SPTO/sustainabletourism.shtml for more information. Future updates on the topic will be posted on the same link.

SPTO Membership Update
SPTO welcomes Dive Worldwide as a new private sector member. Dive Worldwide is a specialist tour operator offering tailor-made dive holidays to all corners of the globe. They work with the best dive operator in each area of operation, and support local communities and marine life through the use of environmentally-aware ground agents.  Dive Worldwide caters for individuals, couples and specialist groups and offer a diverse choice of accommodation - hotels, boutique resorts, tented camps and lodges, liveaboards and expedition vessels.  They also offer unique skills a more extensive range of products and destinations than any other dive tour operator at highly competitive prices. Visit their website: http://www.diveworldwide.com/ for more information.
Interested in becoming a member of the SPTO? Contact our Membership Co-ordinator on e-mail: rdrekeni@spto.org and find out more about SPTO private sector membership benefits.

‘Average Joe’ Goes to Tahiti
America's number 1 network, NBC, recently aired "Average Joe: The Joes Strike Back" episode shot in Tahiti and Moorea. Tahiti Tourisme North America, Radisson Plazza Resort Tahiti and Air Tahiti Nui joined forces on this project for national, prime time exposure on America's number one network, NBC. With two full episodes shot on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea, a total of 84 minutes highlighting the destination. Total air time value exceeds $16-million USD in AVE (Advertising Value Equivalence). Images of Air Tahiti Nui in flight, the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti, as well as many other locations on these two islands have been incorporated into the content of the show. The three previous installments of "Average Joe" averaged a powerful 5.7 rating among adults 18-49 (equaling 5.8 million homes!), a 54 percent improvement over NBC's earlier series programming in that time period. "Average Joe" also outscored time-period rival "CSI: Miami" in several key upscale ratings categories, such as adults 18-49 living in homes with incomes of $75,000 or more. The first edition of "Average Joe" finished as the season's #12 series among adults 18-49. (Source: Tahiti Tourisme North America 27/07/2005)

Senikai Spas Fiji Update
Senikai Spas has pleasure in advising that they are now expanding operations offering express massage, manicure and pedicure treatments at Fiji’s International Airport and a Spa facility offering pampering face & body treatments on board Captain Cook Cruises – Reef Escape. Senikai Spa Express will officially open on 15th August 2005 and Captain Cook Cruises -Reef Escape 1st August 2005. For Wholesale Rates please contact Lovine Andrews email: senikaispa@connect.com.fj. Senikai Spas is a company that exclusively selects the best Beauty Therapists from its own highly accredited school, the South Pacific academy of Beauty Therapy. Senikai Spas is under the direction of Debra Sadranu DBT [member] AABth CIDESCO, section Australia. Senikai Spas chain operates several spa locations in Fiji including: Tokoriki Island Resort, Vomo Island Resort, Treasure Island Resort, Shangri-la Fijian Resort, Shangri-la Fiji Mocambo. Senikai Spas also offer massages for Island Day Trips at Tivua Island and South Sea Island. All treatments are incorporated with Essence of viti, the company’s own local range of therapeutic products. Essence of viti consists of tropical fruit extracts and aromatic blends, which include Coconut, Frangipani and Papaya. For further enquiries visit our website www.fijisenikaispas.com or email senikaispa@connect.com.fj, Phone [679] 6725280 or Fax [679] 6725208 (Source: Senikai Spas Press Release 22/07/2005)

The Kalia Cup 2005
Tonga’s newest sporting event – yachting Kalia Cup – is to be expanded after its highly successful inaugural regatta which was held in Vava’u last year. Organised by Trevor Joyce of Mariner Boating in Sydney, the regatta this year will run for 10 days as against seven for last year. This year’s event will involve 12 chartered yachts from The Moorings fleet in Vava’u.  All of the yachts are booked with 60 people participating.  The highlight of this year’s event will be the defense by the all-girl-crew, skippered by Heather Wilson, of the title they won in 2004 Kalia Cup. Their hand will be strengthened by leading Australian sailor Vanessa Dudley, who will also write a feature on the regatta for Australian Sailing Magazine. Joyce says the “prisitne white-sand beaches, crystal clear 28 degree briny, whale-watching, snorkelling, savouring a varied cuisine in the island restaurants and the welcoming Tongans are the real attractions” with the sailing an added bonus. This year’s Kalia Cup will be from October 5 – October 15.  For more information contact 61 2 99661244; email info@marinerboating.com.au or visit the website www.marinerboating.com.au. (Source: Tonga Visitors Bureau) 

Pure Fiji Brings Island Flavor to The Game of Love
Pure Fiji will provide products and create exclusive treatments for exclusive Player’s Lounge created at the 2005 Bank of the West Classic tournament to take place July 25th through 31st at Stanford University. Expected guests include Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Daniela Hantuchova and Lindsay Davenport, among others. “Pure Fiji’s coconut-based spa products are exactly what the players need when they come off the court,”  “A treatment with Pure Fiji spa products is like nothing else—the scent and experience transports you to a state of pure relaxation.” Pure Fiji will dominate the backstage Lounge, where players will enjoy their choice of Dilo Sunburn Rescue Treatment utilizing the Pure Fiji Dilo Rescue Gel or Exotic Island Masssage with Pure Fiji Massage Oil. Players will also receive Pure Fiji Shampoo and Conditioner, Sugar Scrub, Body Butter, Shower Gel and Lotion in one of the company’s signature exotic flavors: coconut, starfruit, passion flower and pineapple. For more information contact Andree Austin: info@purefiji.com (Source: Pure Fiji Press Release 27/05/2005)

Taveuni’s Luxury Resort Earns Top World Rating (Fiji)
Hoping and envisioning something different and unique for Taveuni was what prompted Paul and Ashley Jolly to make Taveuni Palms Resort a very private, high-end and exclusive resort. The Jollys, owners of the resort which has been rated as one of the most luxurious honeymoon destinations in the world by the magazine Forbes, said they could not describe what they were feeling when they found out about the rating. "As owners, words cannot describe our feelings of accomplishment and pride but we are quick to realise we owe our greatest thanks of all to our staff without whom we could not have achieved this alone," said Paul and Ashley. The husband and wife team bought the property at Taveuni five years ago with the intention of having it as a second home. "My wife and I bought our property five years ago after selling our home and business of seven years on New Zealand," said Paul. "I am a New Zealander and my wife is an American, but after living here full time for one year, we were in love with both the Fijian people and the lifestyle on Taveuni." "We began brainstorming how we could share what we had begun to share with others because we wanted to bring something different and unique to the island," said Paul. He said Taveuni Palms was exactly what they had envisioned it to be, a very private, high-end exclusive resort with service that was second to none. There are only two villas, each sitting on its own private acre, with gorgeous panoramic views. The resort boasts a secluded beach, each with its own private swimming pool and multiple decks. Guests are pampered and spoiled by their very own private staff to serve them while using these facilities. "We feel that we have succeeded not only from the wonderful feedback from our guests but more recently to Forbes recognition of Taveuni Palms as one of the "top luxury honeymoon destinations in the world". The Jollys said they could not have achieved that alone as they feel that their eight staff members are also major contributors to the success of the resort. "We are grateful to our staff Shelley, Teila, Oliva, Veronika, Saimoni, Meme, Ishi and Dan because these people are irreplaceable and without them Taveuni Palms would not be the same." "Our small staff have worked with genuine commitment to help us achieve our goals and to make sure that every single guest, departs with the fondest memories from their experiences of the absolute best that we can offer," said Paul and Ashley. Paul and Ashley said they owe a lot of credit to the island of Taveuni and the community of Matei. "Taveuni is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world, with so much to offer to all of our guests." "We feel that we have introduced a product to Taveuni that perhaps has drawn a different type of tourist to the island," said Paul and Ashley. Paul and Ashley said they hoped to continue touching the lives of many that seek a private and exclusive Fiji holiday at Taveuni Palms and also maintain a high standard of excellence in Fiji. (Source: Fiji Times 23/07/2005)

Common Star Rating Scheme Agreed
A star rating scheme for hotels across England, Scotland and Wales is to be introduced next year. The common set of standards for grading accommodation has been thrashed out by respective tourist boards and motoring organisations the AA and RAC. The new grading is to replace schemes run by each individual body which have long been criticised as being confusing for users. The common standards have been jointly created by all organisations. Following annual assessments starting in January, hotels and guest accommodation will be represented by between one and five stars, with higher rating awarded for improved quality. Accommodation will be split into three categories: Hotel, Guest Accommodation and Budget Hotel, although budget chains will not be star-rated “because of their strong branding”. Hotels will have five sub categories such as Metro Hotel, Country House Hotel, Small Hotel, and Town House Hotel. Guest accommodation has six sub categories, including Bed & Breakfast, Guest House, Farmhouse, Inn and Restaurant with Rooms. In addition to the annual inspections, full overnight assessments will take place every three years, according to the tourist boards and motoring organisations. The new star-rating scheme will be “introduced progressively” following the start of inspections in the new year. A statement said: “The new common set of standards follows extensive consumer and industry research indicating the need to clarify and simplify the existing ratings. “They involve the benchmark for the consumer to make an informed choice and will also make it easier for tourism bodies and the travel industry to promote serviced accommodation both at home and overseas.” (Source: TravelMole News 28/07/2005)