November 2008

The Travel Bug - Issue 45

Port Vila Day Celebrations

This week, Port Vila has been busy with activities and the air filled with live band music as of yesterday to build up momentum for Port Vila Day - Saturday 29th November. The venue for this special event is along Seafront Park, where food stalls have been built. Program includes cultural dances from Tanna island, Tuvalu, Merelava and Banks region. There are also Ambrym, Hip hop shows, string band competitions, pop band shows, fun competitions like Tug of Wars, pigs and ducks race, comedy drama shows. At the end of the ceremony, at 1.30pm, there will be an outrigger canoe race at sea front, followed by a semi marathon. (Source: VTO Island Nius November 2008)

VTO seeks new Australian Representative

Due to the retirement of the existing representative, the VTO seeks to contract the services of a dynamic, motivated and well connected Representative to actively promote a newly revamped brand and advocate for Vanuatu as a destination with wholesalers, agents, and at trade and consumer shows. The Australian representative will be a key driver of sales from this market. The person will be focused on identified target markets in key urban, regional and rural areas as well as selected growth centres in Australia. The person will need to be focused, able to travel, and well experienced in the emerging trends of the Australian outbound travel market. This is a one year contract with renewal options, and is an opportunity for a seasoned travel marketing professional to become engaged in an exciting boutique tourism destination.

Submit proposal to Vanuatu Tourism Office, PO Box 209, Port Vila, Vanuatu. Tel: +678 22515. Fax: +678 23889. Email: gmanager(at)tourism.vu. Proposals may be submitted by hard copy, fax or email by 4pm, Friday 28 November, 2008.

Goodies Exchange new outlet

Goodies Exchange is one of the best known gift shops in Port Vila. Recently they have opened a new, small outlet next to "Wu Gift Shop" opposite the Post Office. The small branch operates 6 days a week from Monday till Saturday, from 8.00 till 11.30 and 1.30 pm till 5pm. Please note that on cruise ships and public holidays, only the main Goodies Exchange shop will be open, located in front of El Gecko Restaurant. (Source: VTO Island Nius November 2008)

2008 Vanuatu Tourism Award Nominations close 18. November

The closing date for 2008 Vanuatu Tourism Awards nominations has been extended until close of Business Tuesday the 18th November. Entry and nomination forms can be collected from and submitted to: Adventures in Paradise, Le Lagon Resort, Moorings Hotel, and VTO - Vanuatu Tourism Office.

The scope of the awards has been broadened this year to include these new categories: Best Restaurant/Catering Service, Best New Tourism Development, Best Specialist Tourism Service. Operators/Individuals can enter the category they consider best suited to their business. Judges will assess each nomination on its merit with more emphasis in 2008 on the operation rather than the presentation of the nomination itself. If you wish to enter your tourism business in the awards, please note that payment via cheque is to be address to VTA (Victorian Tourism Awards). (Source: VTO Island Nius November 2008)

St Andrew's Day Cultural Festival

Held from Tuesday Nov 25 to Sunday Nov 30, The Saint Andrew’s Day Cultural Festival on Rah Island is a big highlight in the Vanuatu tribal experience calendar. The event occurs only once a year and includes 3 days of extraordinary, unique and authentic cultural activities in a truly stunning location. Rah Island has picture postcard white sand beaches, one of the best views in Vanuatu of three nearby volcanic islands, coral reefs and a picturesque lagoon for swimming, a forest for bushwalking, activities on the mainland plus a truly incredible community with great hospitality. (Source: VTO Island Nius October 2008)

Fiji Ocean Swim Promotes Vanuatu Swims

The Fiji Ocean swim was held at Plantation Island again this year for the second time. The last year's swim was held at Mana Island. The Fiji Ocean Swim is a sister swim that also promotes the Vanuatu Ocean Swim and the Espiritu Santo Aore Ocean Swim. The 1.5km and 3km events were held on Saturday the 18th starting at 8:30am, and the 10km on Sunday the 19th is starting at 8am. The 10km doubles as the Fiji National Open Water Swimming Championships, and also includes a 5 x 2km relay event. The 10km was an interesting race with a record number of both overseas and local entries still coming in which end up to 30 participants on the race day. The swim festival ended up with presentation of awards. Vanuatu Swims name was mentioned many times as interested swimmers would like to take the challenge to swim across the Segond channel in 2009. For more information contact Joe on trade@tourism.vu, VTO Trade & Events Officer. (Source: VTO Island Nius October 2008)

Espiritu Santo Tourism Association 10th year

Even though Efate island is the gateway to Vanuatu, with its international airport, Vanuatu's largest island is Espiritu Santo, mostly known as Santo. In order to attract more visitors to Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo Tourism Association was formed 10 years ago. A lot has been accomplished since then, including now direct Air Vanuatu flights from Australia to Santo. Read the full ESTA report about the tourism growth on Santo island, which has had a particularly eventful 10th year.

BFTE 2009 Registrations

The BFTE Secretariat is pleased to announce that the Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange 2009 will be held on 2-6 June at the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club Pro Shop Lawn with the Sheraton Fiji Resort & the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa being hosts to this prestigious event. You may now go online www.bfte.com.fj and register. Please be reminded that space is limited and the secretariat suggests you advice and encourage colleagues to REGISTER NOW! (Source: VTO Island Nius October 2008)

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