January 2009

The Travel Bug - Issue 47

Vanuatu Post New Stamp Series

In association with Air Vanuatu, Events Vanuatu, Breaka’s Beach Resort & Villas and White Grass Ocean Resort, Tanna, Vanuatu Post is running a Valentine’s Day promotion for the ultimate romantic getaway. To mark the release of Vanuatu Post’s new stamp series “Romantic Vanuatu”, being launched on 29th January, anyone who purchases the First Day Cover of the new stamp series goes in to the draw to win return flights to Tanna and a night’s accommodation at White Grass Ocean Resort.

This is not the first time Vanuatu Post has worked with the tourism industry in a joint partnership to promote the country. In 2008, five leading resorts of Vanuatu were immortailsed on stamps. The new stamp series will be promoted in the Post Office from next week in a special display from Events Vanuatu. Vanuatu Post encourages stamp collectors and hopeless romantics alike to purchase the new stamps (on sale from 29th January) for their chance to experience the magic that is “Romantic Vanuatu”. (Source: VTO Island Nius – January 2009)

Air Vanuatu's 2009 Sale

Vanuatu's national airline, Air Vanuatu has announced the extension of their popular 9,000vt fare sale, for the rest of 2009. “This is the first time we have offered a year long sale that is available all year to and from Australia,” Chief Executive Officer Hollingsworth Ala Ngwele said. “This sale is in recognition of the support of our loyal local travelers and their families and friends in Australia.”

The sale fare must be booked and paid for by 28 February 2009. Mr. Ngwele said the fare includes all the benefits of Air Vanuatu’s renowned service, with exception of government taxes and surcharges.

Air Vanuatu is working with suppliers in Australia to offer ‘all inclusive packages’ for locals wishing to travel. “We look forward to announcing our accommodation partners in Australia and our easy business and holiday packages shortly. These packages take the hassle out of planning trips to Australia, particularly for Ni-Vanuatu.” Mr. Ngwele said Air Vanuatu would continue to work closely with the VTO and VHRA to promote Vanuatu and ensure the continued growth of the destination. Call Air Vanuatu office on 23838 in Vanuatu. (Source: VTO Island Nius – 9. January 2009)

Fatutu Eco Bungalows

Fatutu is an eco-community-bungalow project, owned & operated by the indigenous people of Aniwa Island. Aniwa Island is a small Vanuatu coral island, located just off better known Tanna Island. Aniwa Island has a small airstrip in the north part of the island.

Fatutu Bungalows is nestle along a stunning white sandy beach in an ideal location for capturing amazing view’s of the large crystal blue lagoon, sunrises and sunsets that make up the many beautiful days. Fatutu Bungalows offer’s comfort and total relaxation with spectacular view of the ocean, rooms are clean, serviced daily. Food is basic, clean & healthy, simply cooked, local environment produce i.e. from the village gardens and what is caught from the land & Sea. Fish, lobster, chicken & pig, local vegetables & seasonal fruit.

Air Vanuatu Domestic transfers from Vila 3 times a week, Monday Thursday & Saturday. Sometimes direct sometimes via Tanna 35-55 minute flights from Vila, depending on aircraft type (ATR - Islander) 10 minute hop from Tanna to Aniwa. (Source: VTO Island Nius – 9. January 2009)

Japanese Cruise Ship in Port Vila

A Japanese passenger cruise ship, most probably one of Japan’s biggest – Ms. ASUKA II, will be arriving first time in Port Vila on Saturday, 31 January 2009. She departs Yokohama in Japan on 20th January and takes 10 days to touch the shores of Vanuatu, stopping over at Sydney, and Hobart, Auckland, Rarotonga, Moorea(Papeete), Bora Bora, Nuku Hiva, Lahaina and Honolulu. MS ASUKA II returns to Japan on 14 March 2009.

It will carry 400 Japanese passengers and 450 crew members. A welcome festival will be held at Sea Front area with activities such as string band music, custom dances, sand drawings and mat weaving performance. South Pacific Tours VILA will be coordinating this important event and hopes it’s success would open an opportunity for Vanuatu to host similar events in the future. (Source: VTO Island Nius – January 2009)

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