Fiji China Direct Flights in Pipeline
A Mainland Chinese airline is studying direct flights to Fiji that could result in an influx of tourists from there. Chinese ambassador to Fiji, Cai Jinbiao, said this would be a major contributor to Fiji's five-year target of turning tourism into a $US1billion-a-year ($F1.77billion) industry. The Fiji and Chinese governments have already signed an air service agreement to allow both parties to go ahead with the necessary arrangements. Last week's China Pacific Forum on economic development and cooperation was attended by several airline and civil aviation officials from China. The Fiji Trades Investment Bureau said the proposed flights would boost the economy. Visitors from China have to travel through Sydney or Auckland, as there are no direct flights from the mainland into Fiji. China joined the South Pacific Tourism Organisation — a move that came after China granted preferential tourism status to the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Northern Marianas. In Tahiti, the China Travel Service, China's biggest tour operator, recently announced it would invest nearly $100million in two hotels. French Polynesia wants to open tourism offices in Beijing and Shanghai and the local airline, Air Tahiti Nui, is studying starting flights to Shanghai. In Tonga, Chinese investors spent $4million to renovate the International Dateline Hotel. Roughly 3000 Chinese companies do business in the Pacific, with nearly $1billion in hotels, plantations, garment factories, fishing and logging operations. China is building a 50-boat tuna fleet for Fiji — a reflection of China's interest in the huge fisheries of the Pacific. (Source: Fiji Times 10/04/2006)

Kofi Annan Praises Tourism Potential on Visit to UNWTO
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan praised the part played by tourism in encouraging the development of poorer nations and the World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) role in this when he visited the organization in Madrid on 7 April. "Tourism really has the potential of opening up economic space for people around the world," he told staff gathered to greet him at the headquarters building where UNWTO was hosting a meeting of the UN's Chief Executives Board (CEB) for the first time. "We should encourage tourist developers to go and set up tourist developments," he said, and in doing so to help provide basic amenities such as electricity and clean water for the communities living in those areas. This would help "uplift" the local people, "encouraging them to produce for the tourists." Recalling his own past involvement in tourism projects in his native Ghana, the Secretary-General also said tourists should not be offered Europe abroad. "We really need to get them to not only interact with the people but also to offer them authentic culture." He thanked UNWTO staff for being part of the UN's contact with the public, for having "an impact on how we are perceived and how we achieve our goals. You may be small but perform an effective mandate bringing countries together and facilitating the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals". (Source: Travel Wire News 11/04/2006)

Qantas Set to Drop Australian Airlines Brand
Australia’s Qantas is expected to axe its troubled offshoot, Australian Airlines. The decision to drop the Australian brand is expected on Tuesday. The airline flies to destinations including Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong, Nagoya and Sapporo. On its part, Qantas confirmed Jetstar, its successful low-cost venture, would start flying internationally from November. In February this year, Qantas had shared its plans of restructuring its management and that it would group its flying businesses under the Jetstar and Qantas brands. Qantas officials believe Australian’s demise was necessary to wipe the slate clean and allow it to concentrate on its twin-brand philosophy. Australian has also been struggling for some time and failed to reach the growth targets initially set for it, according to local media. Launched in October 2002, the all-economy airline was designed to operate on routes considered too marginal for Qantas to fly profitably. It also been reported that Australian’s launch plans had envisaged the carrier would operate 12 aircraft within two years but its plans were undercut by the combined effects of the SARS epidemic, terrorism and war.  A Jetstar spokesperson said the strategy would be targeted at Asian and Asia-pacific destinations 10 hours or less from Australia. “They are a mixture of new markets for the Qantas Group and seeking to put capacity into markets that we see have high growth potential,” said the spokesperson. (Source: eTurbo News 11/04/2006)

MS National Geographic Endeavour to Operate 3 Cruises in Tahiti
The 62-cabin MS National Geographic Endeavour will begin the first of three cruises in French Polynesia on April 20 for Lindblad Expeditions as part of a six-month journey through the South Pacific. Starting on Easter Island and cruising by Tahiti and Fiji to Papua New Guinea, the Endeavour is part of a partnership between Lindblad and the National Geographic Society. National Geographic experts, such as acclaimed geneticist Spencer Wells, and photographers will join guests aboard the ship, using it as a base for conducting cutting-edge research. (Source: Tahiti Tourisme Weekly Bulletin Issue 148 – 31/04/2006)

Air New Zealand and Qantas Apply to Co-operate on The Tasman
Air New Zealand and Qantas have announced that they have signed a codeshare agreement for their Tasman routes. The airlines will shortly file applications seeking authorisation from the New Zealand Minister of Transport and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The agreement, which is subject to an independent audit review, will be specifically limited to the Tasman only. Benefits to the consumer would include better loyalty programme advantages, a better spread of schedules, better connections to onward flights and the retention of low fares. Air New Zealand customers currently have the choice of 134 Tasman departures per week. Under the proposed codeshare with Qantas this would increase by 63% to 218 departures. The codeshare will also have significant benefits for the environment. Air New Zealand currently uses 1.78 million barrels of fuel a year on the Tasman. This will be reduced by around 100,000 barrels annually under the proposed codeshare. “The Tasman is a fiercely contested market,” said Rob Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand. “The number of seats on sale is greater than the number of passengers carried; in fact the equivalent of 11 empty A320 aircraft make two return trips per day. To continue such over capacity in the present environment of high fuel prices would not only be uneconomic, it would be financially and environmentally irresponsible.” A codeshare agreement will allow the airlines to reduce cost by removing some surplus capacity and utilising aircraft more efficiently, while increasing the number of flights available to each airline’s customers. Mr Fyfe said that while the proposed codeshare arrangements with Qantas and recent initiatives designed to remove costs from Tasman operations would be positive for Air New Zealand, the company would still be well short of achieving adequate returns on its substantial fleet investment. Air New Zealand currently has almost a billion dollars invested in aircraft on the Tasman. ”Once the proposed codeshare arrangements with Qantas become effective, the market will continue to be highly competitive,” said Mr Fyfe. “The reality is that both Air New Zealand and Qantas continue to compete against a significant number of other airlines on the Tasman.   Both airlines would also remain vigorous competitors in marketing and distribution.” The proposed codeshare will be supported by revenue, pricing and scheduling arrangements.  Once it becomes effective, all revenue earned by Air New Zealand and Qantas on Tasman routes will be allocated on an agreed basis.  Each carrier will benefit from its own cost reduction programmes and continue to maintain independent and competitive relationships with travel agents. Mr Fyfe said it was expected that the applications could take around six months to be assessed by regulators on both sides of the Tasman. The value of the benefit of the codeshare cannot be released for commercial reasons. (Source: Air New Zealand Media Release 12/04/2006) 

Air Tahiti Nui Reports Increase in Summer Reservations
Air Tahiti Nui told its board of directors Monday there is “a very clear increase” in reservations for the summer season, compared with last year, which is welcome news as the price of oil has already started rising again. “Reservations booked for the coming months are promising, and that supports the budget presented during the previous board meeting,” Air Tahiti Nui Board Chairman Eric Pommier said after the meeting. Although Air Tahiti Nui was forced to cancel a few flights in January due to not enough passengers, Pommier said he was encouraged by advanced bookings for summer travel. Pommier also said the board was pleased with the airline’s new hub set up in New York recently. “We note a very good market response. There are, in effect, more and more passengers transiting through New York en route to Australia or Los Angeles using ATN to go to Sydney while doing a stopover in Tahiti that only lasts two hours. “This is a plus for these passengers who can continue on to Australia with only one stopover,” Pommier said.  (Source: Tahiti Tourisme Weekly Bulletin Issue 148 – 31/04/2006)

Maravu’s New Top Bure Soon to be Opened (Fiji)
Maravu Plantation Beach Resort & Spa is pleased to announce an exciting new addition in the works at the Resort. We are currently constructing a new Bure that will be known simply as ‘The Treehouse’. The Treehouse will be the finest and largest accommodation at Maravu. Connected to the Resort via a 150-metre long wooden pathway, The Treehouse will be located on a prime piece of our rainforest property, high above the trees, attached to a large raintree, providing wonderful views and privacy and seclusion. It will feature lavish decks integrated with the raintree, and will have large open living spaces. There will be two full indoor bathrooms as well as an outdoor, open-air bathroom. On the deck will be a state of the art Jacuzzi pool in a private, Venetian-glass walled courtyard that can be opened to the seaside. Like all of Maravu’s accommodations, The Treehouse will have air-conditioning (in both the bedroom and living room), as well as a CD stereo and a fully stocked mini-bar. The finest of linens, as well as spectacular palm wood furniture and original artwork help make The Treehouse a truly luxurious experience. Magnificent sea views will be enjoyed from all aspects of the bure, including the bathrooms, outdoor shower, and Jacuzzi pool. The bedroom and the living room can be completely separated, and since there is a second full bathroom attached to the living room, The Treehouse will easily accommodate up to four guests. The Treehouse will be available for new reservations as of 1 June 2006. The Treehouse will be promoted and sold using Maravu’s Stay/Pay specials (Stay 6/Pay 5, Stay 8/Pay 6), that are valid for travel through 31 March 2007. For more information e-mail: maravu@connect.com.fj (Source: Maravu Plantation Resort Media Release April 2006)

Sonaisali Welcomes New Manager
The environment-friendly Sonaisali Island Resort is expected to continue with its award-winning performance under the its new manager, Kate McClelland. Ms McClelland, who has a wealth of knowledge brought about by 10 years of dedicated hospitality experience in resorts, hotels and remote five-star properties across the globe, replaces former resort manager, Allan Gorton. Ms McClelland, who is already enjoying her new position with the Sonaisali team, has travelled and worked extensively throughout the Channel Islands, United Kingdom, Scotland and Canada. Apart from looking after the resort's day-to-day operations, she is also an executive member of the Mamanuca Environment society that works towards coral reef protection. She is also the new vice chairperson for the Fiji Island Hotel and Tourism Association's Nadi Branch, which represents Hotels and Resorts in the region. Managing Director, Aaron McGrath said they were very fortunate to have Ms McClelland on their team. He said they were confident that the resort would continue with its impressive performance under her leadership. "I am extremely pleased to welcome Kate to the Sonaisali Management Team. In the short time that Kate has been at the Resort, she has demonstrated a high calibre of Resort operations and wonderful guest relation skills".  (Source: Fiji Times 12/04/2006)

Benjor Beach Club Update
Benjor Beach Club of Devil’s Point Road in Port Vila, Vanuatu proudly introduces its new managers, Ron Gratzinger and Margaret Sowers.  After several years as a corporate pilot, Ron has amassed extensive experience in luxury resort management in such locales as Playa Del Carmen, Mexico; Welgevonden Game Preserve, South Africa; Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands and now our lovely Efate, Vanuatu.  Margaret’s career centered on sales & marketing and senior management before joining Ron as co-manager in the Turks & Caicos.  This couple brings with them fresh ideas and loads of enthusiasm.  Already the Officer’s Club Restaurant menu has an updated look and more tasty variety.  Benjor Beach club expect that the revamped menu will appeal to locals and tourists alike.  In addition to welcoming the new management couple, the completion of the new swimming pool is also drawing near. Located adjacent to the restaurant will be a sizable pool set amid the natural rock formations complete with decking and, of course, a pool bar.  It should be ready for a dip and a drink by mid-May.  Do come and meet Ron & Margaret and enjoy the Benjor Beach Club’s restaurant and pool.

Customs Anti-corruption Program in Full Force
The Tonga Customs Service anti-corruption program is gaining momentum as they implement a number of major initiatives designed to identify and deal with corrupt behaviour officers. Recently, two Customs Officer were suspended on disciplinary issues and one was also charged with theft and with knowingly keeping uncustomed goods from the wharf. Yesterday, Mr Fiu was sentenced to 8 months jail term (with 5 months suspended) and fined $700 for stealing weightlifting equipment from the wharf while carrying out his duties as a Customs Officer. Head of Customs, Ms Lee Deegan, has made huge changes in Customs with the aim of eliminating all forms of corruption. That work began last year and is now taking on more serious implications with the conviction of Mr Fiu.  Ms Deegan has made it clear to all Customs clients and to all Customs Officers that she “will use the full force of the law to prosecute any officer involved in any form of corruption.  I want to give the public confidence that we have implemented a serious anti-corruption program to identify and prosecute anyone working inappropriately.”  Ms Deegan added that this work is also implementing the anti-corruption work previously identified by the Government of Tonga as an urgent need. (Source: Tonga Custom Services 11/04/2006)