February 2007

The Travel Bug - Issue 24

Vanuatu Tourism Internet TV

A world first has been created with the launch of Vanuatu TV, an internet based TV station dedicated to bringing Vanuatu customs, tourism and business to the world in a vibrant TV style format. According to Grant Abbott, CEO of Vanuatu TV, “My brother Chris and I decided to create Vanuatu TV because after holidaying here in 2006 we could only find web sites on Vanuatu filled with pages and pages of words and pictures. Having spent over eight years developing TV programs for the net we decided to use our skills to showcase Vanuatu, the happiest place on earth and our home.”
      “So now with a simple mouse click in www.vanuatu.tv you have all of Vanuatu at your fingertips. So if you want to know where to eat, stay, play, visit or invest in Vanuatu before you get here, Vanuatu TV has dedicated TV programs featuring Vanuatu tour activities, accommodation, restaurants, business and real estate, all produced by experienced TV professionals and with seasoned TV presenters.” (Source: The Tribal Drum January 2007)

Dates for the Vanuatu Marlin Classic 2007

The organizing committee of the Vanuatu Marlin Classic has announced important dates for the 2007 event. With close to $70,000 AUD awarded in prize and Calcutta winnings, the 2006 VMC became one of the premier fishing events in the Southern Hemisphere. The 2006 Classic saw an increase from 16 teams in 2005 to 24 teams in 2006 with anglers coming from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and the USA. With commitments already coming in and more charters boats available for next year. We intend to build upon the past success to make the 2007 VMC even bigger and better. For more information click here. (Source: The Tribal Drum January 2007)

New Apartments for Vanuatu Holidays

Holidaymakers looking to save on resort meals or dining out on getaways to Vanuatu, now have two new options in capital Port Vila – one in luxury 1- and 2-bedroom apartments similar to townhouses, and the other for the more budget conscious looking for comforts beyond the basics. The air-conditioned Lagoon Beach Resort Apartments under 5-minutes from town include king or twin-beds, fully-equipped kitchens, TV/DVD, washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities, 6-seat dining settings indoors and covered patios with outdoor 6-seat settings, and patios off master bedrooms. Living areas have an additional fold-out double sofa bed. (Source: Tribal Drum Newsletter January 2007)

Fiji Maravu Plantation Resort Wins Award

Maravu Plantation Beach Resort & Spa was recently chosen as the Best Luxury Hotel in the South Pacific by TripAdvisor in its 2006 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Now in its 5th year, the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. Unlike any other hotel awards programs that survey perhaps thousands of people, the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are uniquely “selected” by millions of travelers from around the world who provide their real and unbiased reviews or opinions about hotels on tripadvisor.com and across the Web. “The 2006 Travelers’ Choice winners are once again singled out for their spectacular service and extraordinary value,” said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “Most hotel awards programs honor the most luxurious and opulent hotels, but because Travelers’ Choice awards are determined by millions of real travelers from around the world, the winners tend to be outstanding properties that are within reach for the average traveler.” Maravu was selected the number one Luxury Hotel in the South Pacific, and is the only South Pacific resort to have been chosen in the top 100 Luxury Resorts, coming in at number 43. “The entire team at Maravu is extremely proud to have received such a prestigious award,” said Jochen Kiess, owner of Maravu. “We have received awards and recognition in the past, however, this award is extra special as it comes from the people who mean the most to us…actual travelers. Being recognized as the Top Luxury Resort in the South Pacific is both an honor and a challenge to us at Maravu, and we are committed to continually improve both the quality of the resort and the quality of the Fijian experience we provide to our valued guests.” (Source: Maravu Plantation Beach Resort 24/01/2006)

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