Pacific Islands
Familiar face to Kiribati
Tuesday, 11 June 2019 23:20Petero Manufolau is the new chief executive officer at Tourism Authority of Kiribati.
Premium Pacific for high end clients
Tuesday, 21 May 2019 02:47Turama Pacific Travel Group has launched a Premium Collection, highlighting high end product and new exclusive travel experiences.
Robert Skews, managing director, says the collection reintroduces The Coral Route Experience for modern day travellers, utilising Air Rarotonga’s Pacific private jet.
Samoa bike ride ‘add-on’
Tuesday, 21 May 2019 02:11Three or four-day bike tours around Upolu and Savaii are growing in popularity and make an excellent add on for agents to sell with a hotel stay, according to Ross and Frances Bidmead, owner operators of Outdoor Samoa.
The company started 10 years ago, exclusively offering tours around Savaii (supported largely by school groups) but now has expanded into kayaks, bike hire and day tours, and four-day, three-night ‘taster tours’ on Upolu as well.
GLP Hotels updates NZ trade
Tuesday, 21 May 2019 02:06New openings, expansions and refurbishments were announced by GLP Hotels and Promenade Tours to a select group of trade personnel in Auckland this week.
Armelle Tahi, managing director of the companies, says construction has commenced on the Hilton Wadra Bay on Lifou. The new hotel, which will feature 50 villas and rooms on or close to the beachfront, is due for completion at the end of 2021.
Samoa confident of 7% growth
Monday, 06 May 2019 22:09Samoa has had a number of ‘game changing’ developments that have given the country’s tourism a boost and justified predictions of 7% annual growth in the near future, says Leituala Joe Chan Ting, sales and marketing manager with the Samoa Tourism Authority.
NZ SM for Matamanoa
Thursday, 02 May 2019 22:44Melanie Nicol has been appointed sales manager New Zealand for Matamanoa Island, Fiji commencing in May.
Samoa’s major profile upgrade takes shape
Thursday, 02 May 2019 21:26A significant revamp to samoa.travel is set to be revealed late July, with the destination’s new agents specialist programme to be officially launched two or three months later.
Wellness escape to Fiji
Thursday, 02 May 2019 19:22Why ‘fly and flop’ when you can ‘fly and rejuvenate’? Tourism Fiji is asking travel agents.
Samoa resort to add adults’ area
Thursday, 02 May 2019 19:19Saletoga Sands Resort in Samoa will be adding an adults-only area due to demand from that sector, with construction starting later this year. Owner Gavin Brightwell says the resort has always been family friendly and will keep that side of the business. ‘The family market has made this resort successful,’ he says. However, the dedicated adults area, with approximately 18 newbuild rooms, will add a new aspect to the property. ‘They will all have sea views and there will be a grove of coconut trees with a wide pathway. ‘We are just keeping up with trends, so couples can enjoy all the facilities of Saletoga but also have a quieter area to themselves.’
Agents return from Fiji Foray
Monday, 18 March 2019 23:22Thirty eight agents from around New Zealand returned from Fiji yesterday as Tourism Fiji’s Matai conference and famils came to an end.
Honiara – AKL flights ‘dream’
Friday, 08 March 2019 00:49Having direct flights between Honiara and Auckland would be a logical next step for the Solomon Islands when it comes to air connections, according to the head of the destination’s tourism office.
Fiji Princess has upgrade
Tuesday, 12 February 2019 05:14Blue Lagoon Cruises’ ship, the M.V. Fiji Princess, sailed from Port Denarau late last week with an entirely new look following an extensive three-week refurbishment.
Improvements include new contemporary deck furniture, high-quality tiled flooring and refreshed cabinetry and joinery in public areas and more items added to the boutique.
The 34 Hibiscus and Orchid cabins on board Fiji Princess have also had a makeover, with new bed runners, pillow and ottoman covers, lampshades and air-conditioning units.
FJ’s companion getaway
Tuesday, 15 January 2019 22:37Fiji Airways has launched The Great Companion Getaway, a two for one deal being sold through to 19 January.
New Caledonian adventure
Tuesday, 27 November 2018 03:11Soft adventure will be New Caledonia Tourism’s key message to Kiwis next year as the NTO builds on the 60% visitor growth it has seen out of this country over the past two to three years.
‘When I started in this role in 2015, about 6000 Kiwis travelled to New Caledonia,’ says Sally Pepermans, New Caledonia’s New Zealand representative. ‘In 2017 we hit 10,000 and 2018 is looking strong.
Major refurb for Sofitel Fiji
Saturday, 24 November 2018 02:07One of Denarau, Fiji’s most popular resorts is having a major facelift that will see enhancements to its luxury high end product, a dedicated Fiji Airways check in lounge, and a new child friendly area.
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa will have a F$45m refurbishment, with work starting next week and expected to be complete by the end of 2019.
TN inaugural flight
Friday, 09 November 2018 00:18Air Tahiti Nui’s inaugural Tahitian Dreamliner touched down in Auckland yesterday on the cusp of the airline’s 20th birthday celebrations.
President of French Polynesia, Edouard Fritch welcomed a delegation of Pacific ministers at a formal ceremony at Auckland Airport yesterday, saying the inaugural flight from Tahiti to New Zealand is a stepping
Destination Fiji expands
Tuesday, 23 October 2018 22:26Destination Fiji is expanding its services to work with the travel trade beyond its core meetings, incentives, conference and weddings business.
Malamala – wedding destination
Tuesday, 23 October 2018 22:22Malamala Beach Club is ramping up its positioning to the trade and consumers as a wedding destination in Fiji with the launch of its new Marry Me at Malamala brochure.
Combo famil showcase
Thursday, 11 October 2018 22:02A recent educational that combined Fiji with Club Med Bintan Island (just off Singapore) was designed to showcase Fiji Airways’ wider network beyond Fiji.
New tours from Awesome Adventures
Monday, 08 October 2018 22:39Awesome Adventures Fiji has launched three new short tours ideal for travellers basing themselves on the mainland as part of its new programme for 2019-2020.
More island at The Islander
Friday, 05 October 2018 01:58The Islander Hotel, Rarotonga, has added an extra weekly Island Night. From 6 October the Islander Hotel will feature two weekly Island Nights, Tuesday & Saturdays.
Repairs to close pool in Febrary
Tuesday, 02 October 2018 00:43Stevensons @ Manase in Samoa advise that its swimming pool will be closed 4 – 24 February 2019 inclusive to replace damaged tiles of the pool.
The pool closure has been scheduled to coincide with the low season. Whilst there will be onsite work during this time from Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, Stevensons @ Manase envisages that after the existing tiles are removed (which should take approximately three days) there will be minimal noise and impact. Agents are reminded over this time that Stevensons has a 30% off special for stays of three nights or more and that all stays include daily continental breakfast and complimentary use of kayaks and paddleboards. Contact mike@eye4travel.co.nz
Beach bures for South Sea
Saturday, 22 September 2018 03:09South Sea Cruises has new accommodation options for overnight guests on South Sea Island – three beachfront bures with modern decor, outdoor bathrooms, ceiling fans and patios.
More rooms for Tanna, Santo
Monday, 17 September 2018 22:44Two new resorts on Vanuatu’s Tanna and Santo islands were showcased at the recent Tok Tok trade event in Port Vila.
Offline option for Vanuatu app
Monday, 10 September 2018 23:00The Vanuatu Bucket List travel app was introduced at Tok Tok recently, and it features an offline capability for locations without internet.
Spoilt in unspoiled Niue
Tuesday, 04 September 2018 23:39APX ambassadors returned from Niue on Saturday after four days of adventure, relaxation and sun at the Scenic Matavai Resort in Niue.
NF’s CEO to Kiwi travellers: ‘Don’t miss out on Vanuatu’
Tuesday, 04 September 2018 23:13New Zealand and Australian travellers could be missing out on a back yard destination unlike anywhere else in the world, according to new Air Vanuatu chief executive officer, Derek Nice, who attended his first Tok Tok last week after being in the job just eight weeks.
Looking beyond runway: Vanuatu’s airport key to arrivals growth
Tuesday, 04 September 2018 22:33Port Vila’s Bauerfield Airport runway upgrade is due for completion early next year, and when it is, the welcome mat will be rolled out to Air New Zealand to resume services.
Vanuatu: ‘Quality of product increasing’
Tuesday, 04 September 2018 21:56Long term goals and collaboration were evident to buyers in Port Vila last week when tourism operators got behind Vanuatu Tourism Office’s Tok Tok 2018.
New product in Vanuatu
Saturday, 01 September 2018 02:22Eight new operators were showcased at Vanuatu’s 16th Tok Tok that wrapped up last week.
Answering the ‘what to do’ questions
Friday, 31 August 2018 02:27Yoga on a stand up paddle board, getting dirty on a Raro Buggy Tour, and travelling around restaurants by tuk tuk were just a few of the activities promoted to travel agents and corporate meeting and incentive organisers at the Love a Little Raro / Aitutaki evening in Auckland this week.
Kadavu Discovery cruise dates
Tuesday, 28 August 2018 01:07Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has new 2019 and 2020 departure dates for its 11-night Lau & Kadavu Discovery Cruise onboard small ship MV Reef Endeavour.
Cruising Fiji’s remote north
Monday, 20 August 2018 22:23Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has released the 2019 and 2020 departure dates for its two Northern Fiji seven-night Discovery cruises - The Four Cultures Discovery Cruise and Colonial Fiji Discovery Cruise, onboard small ship MV Reef Endeavour.
New face for Solomons introduced
Thursday, 16 August 2018 23:36Niche wholesalers were introduced to the new marketing officer for the New Zealand market when Tourism Solomons hosted lunch at Lula’s in Auckland yesterday.
Solomons Discovery Cruises
Thursday, 16 August 2018 23:32Heralding a long-awaited return to dedicated Solomon Islands small ship cruise programmes, Solomon Islands Discovery Cruises (SIDC) has announced its plans to operate six adventure itineraries in 2018-2019.
Samoa showcases its new side at roadshow
Thursday, 16 August 2018 22:57The new side of Samoa has been showcased to the trade this week as the country’s tourism roadshow has made its way around four centres in the North Island.
Toberua Island Resort offer
Monday, 13 August 2018 21:36World Resorts of Distinction has a limited-time offer at one of its boutique Fijian resorts, Toberua Island Resort.
Samoa self famils for agents
Thursday, 09 August 2018 22:20Aga Reef Resort is offering frontline consultants ( and a companion) a two night self famil deal of WST$530 advises Eye 4 Travel.
Message from Cook Islands: ‘Get clients booking early’
Thursday, 09 August 2018 21:55Encourage clients to book their Cook Islands’ holidays well in advance.
Win pre-paid Visa card with Tourism Solomons
Thursday, 09 August 2018 21:04As part of the launch of its new ‘Solomon Is.’ re-branding initiative, Tourism Solomons is offering travel agents a chance to win a $100 pre-paid Visa card and two $50 pre-paid Visa cards.
Sinalei spices up menu
Monday, 06 August 2018 22:22Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, Samoa’s adults only eco resort, has appointed two new chefs to enhance the food offering at its two onsite eateries.
Treasure Island’s self famil
Thursday, 02 August 2018 23:18Treasure Island is offering an agent self famil – stay three nights for FJ$399 between 15 October to 17 November 2018, 2 December to 23 December 2018 or 7 January to 31 March 2019.
Switched on newcomer
Monday, 30 July 2018 21:16Bernard Garo of Ginger Beach Retreat is one of a growing number of operators embracing Solomon Islands’ tourism potential.
Excite's Ultimate New Caledonia guide
Monday, 30 July 2018 19:45Excite Holidays has announced the launch of its latest campaign ‘The Ultimate Guide to New Caledonia’, in conjunction with New Caledonia Tourism.
Solomons' new programme
Thursday, 26 July 2018 23:01Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto has applauded the Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture & Tourism’s move to introduce a Minimum Standards and Classication for Tourism Accommodation programme.
August Samoa roadshows
Monday, 23 July 2018 21:29Agents can expect to connect with an increased number of tour operators and experience providers when the destination hits the road around New Zealand next month.
TN adds fleet of choppers
Thursday, 19 July 2018 21:30Air Tahiti Nui has added a fleet of four helicopters to its air operations in Tahiti to fill a void for private transfers, high end experiences and scenic flights.
Wedding package at Outrigger
Monday, 16 July 2018 23:27Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is offering clients a ‘dream destination wedding’ from $6950.
New Cal combo famil with GO
Thursday, 12 July 2018 21:04A small group of agents spent five nights on a famil in New Caledonia early this month.
Focus on infrastructure in Solomon Islands
Monday, 09 July 2018 22:45The upgrading of Munda Airport to cater for international flights, and the laying of an undersea communications cable are critical items on the agenda for the Solomon Islands Government.
Solomon Islands travel mart
Friday, 06 July 2018 00:48More than 30 buyers from Australia, Japan, Taiwan and the US attended the Mi Save Solo Solomon Islands tourism exchange yesterday at Honiara’s Coral Sea Resort & Casino.
New brand comes with big target for tourism growth
Friday, 06 July 2018 00:04A new brand, a new logo and a new name for the Solomon Islands’ national tourism organisation was launched in Honiara last night.
Vanuatu Tourism Awards
Thursday, 28 June 2018 23:10The winners of the 2017/18 Bred Bank Vanuatu Tourism Awards were announced at a ceremony held at the Vanuatu National Convention Centre last Saturday, which recognised the efforts of over 50 tourism businesses across all sectors and provinces of Vanuatu.
New CEO appointed at Air Vanuatu
Thursday, 28 June 2018 20:07The Board of Directors of Air Vanuatu have appointed a new chief executive officer, Derek Nice.