Pacific Islands
Our Pacific's ‘hidden gems’
Our Pacific is highlighting two Moorea properties through its Top Tahiti Hidden Gems recommendations.
Our Pacific’s new packages
Our Pacific has launched new and refreshed tailor-made Tahiti travel packages.
Tonga’s tourism industry optimistic
A recent survey shows strong confidence amongst Tonga’s tourism sector, despite a number of challenges.
New hotel for SPM in Papeete
South Pacific Management (SPM) is expanding its portfolio with a new hotel under construction in Papeete.
Fiji’s TEWAKA invests in new coaches
Fijian-owned tourism transport operator, TEWAKA has added four new luxury coaches to its fleet of vehicles.
VTO: ‘Recommend Vanuatu’
New Zealand’s travel trade is being urged to present Santo or Port Vila to their clients as an option in 2025, as the industry in Vanuatu continues to recover.
Bonus pack giveaways as resort group marks decade of trade rewards programme
Pacific Resort Hotel Group (PRHG) is marking the 10th anniversary of its Pacific Pearls Reward Programme PRHG and is offering a series of giveaways (both familiar and new) throughout 2025 in honour of the occasion.
Fiji hits tourism record
Fiji recorded a number of tourism milestones last year, including welcoming more than one million visitors – the highest number ever recorded. More than 982,938 tourists arrived via air and 81,854 passengers by cruise ships.
Vanuatu recovering
Significant progress has been made in the of recovery in Port Vila, says Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO). There are no ongoing impacts on airline operations to Port Vila as a result of the earthquake.
Yurts at Fiji's Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove in Fiji has launched new lead-in room accommodation, with its yurt-style lodge rooms now available.
Historic Apia hotel reopens
Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows, located in Apia, has reopened following a multi-million-dollar renovation.
New owner for Fiji's Beachcomber
Beachcomber Island Resort in Fiji will undergo significant transformation following its recent acquisition by Vision Hotels, led by Mark and Brendon Deeley.
Fiji welcomes Silver Matai agents
Tourism Fiji hosted 30 New Zealand frontline agents across three famils groups, with representatives from all retail chains, on its bi-annual Silver Matai agent famils last week.
Scenic looks to boost Pacific presence
As part of Scenic Hotel Group’s innovation and elevation customer strategy, the group is looking to increase its footprint in the Pacific Islands. To lead this initiative, Brett Inkster has been appointed as property development manager – Pacific Islands.
New spa for Lomani Resort
Lomani Island Resort & Spa will open its new Lomani Spa retreat this December, marking a new era for the 30-bure boutique resort.
Vanuatu makes LP's Top 10
Vanuatu has made Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 list, ranking at eight in the top 10 countries to visit next year.
Fiji stats: Visitors on rise
Tourism Fiji says the 2023 International Visitor Survey (IVS) shows that Fiji’s visitor economy reached F$3.22 billion, a 46% increase from 2022.
Tahiti launches agent incentive as Kiwi visitor numbers grow
Tahiti Tourisme has launched its biggest agent incentive yet in the New Zealand market at a time when the destination is seeing steadily increasing arrival numbers from this market.
Survey show's Samoa's attraction
Cleanliness and friendly locals were key factors that influenced travellers’ decision to visit Samoa late last year, according to research just released by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO).
'Clean Marina' in Denarau
Port Denarau Marina reports that its status as the first and only accredited Clean Marina across the Pacific Islands has been renewed.
IE ups frequency AKL-VLI
From 4 October Solomon Airlines services will increase to three flights weekly Honiara-Port Vila-Auckland. The additional IE710 service on Fridays will depart VLI 5:50pm, arrive AKL at 10:05pm, and return on Saturdays from AKL at 12pm, arriving VLI at 2:15pm.
IE starts interim flights AKL-VLI
Solomon Airlines has commenced direct flights between Port Vila and Auckland, using Solomon Airlines aircraft to continue air services linking Vanuatu and New Zealand.
Fiji: 'Future looks good'
Fiji’s tourism is soaring, hitting a record high in visitor arrivals, according to Viliame Gavoka, Fiji’s acting Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation.
High five – Kiwis continue trend of multi-visits to Fiji
By Faye Spooner
Recent research has formalised the continuing appeal of Fiji for New Zealand travellers, says Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji.
Ratua Resort to reopen
Brett and Leah Fasher, owners of Ratua Private Island Resort in Vanuatu, are gearing up for a return after weathering a series of challenges.
New binoculars in Niue
New high-powered binoculars have been installed around Niue to enhance the whale experience on offer to visitors.
New hotel in Moorea
Niu Beach Hotel Moorea, on Tiahura Beach in Haapiti, has opened with 16 bungalows designed to meet the needs of individual travellers, couples or families.
NC offer includes Lifou resort
New Caledonia Voyages has launched its latest marketing campaign in partnership with Aircalin and New Caledonia Tourism.
Matai moments in Fiji
New hotel inventory, refurbishments, transport options and activities were all on the agenda for about 50 Kiwi travel agents who took part in Tourism Fiji’s New Zealand and Australia Matai famils and conference programme early March.
Tahiti-Windstar famil
Tahiti Tourisme invited its highest performing New Zealand travel agents on a trade famil to The Islands of Tahiti in partnership with Windstar Cruises recently, as part of its e-learning specialist programme.
AdventureNEXT Fiji summit
Tourism Fiji has partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to host the inaugural AdventureNEXT Fiji summit from 20 to 22 November 2024.
Gateway, Plantation developments
Fiji Gateway is adding 40 new rooms to meet demand.
Heather Gordon, group director sales and marketing for Raffe Hotels & Resorts says the extra inventory is expected to open at the end of this year.
ANZ rep for Savusavu resort
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort overlooking Savusavu Bay, Vanua Levu in Fiji has appointed The Unique Tourism Collection as its New Zealand and Australia sales and marketing representative.
Changes at Fiji's Malamala
Malamala Beach Club will be closed through February as it undergoes upgrades and expansion.
The work includes a new infinity-edged pool that that will run across the front of The Venue at Malamala Beach Club, a private space for weddings, conferences and other group events. A stand-alone bar and an additional shower and toilet block will also be built close to the venue.
CCC Fiji's promo
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is offering three nights free on all seven-night itineraries for 2024, sailing expedition small ship MS Caledonian Sky in Fiji.
Fiji: book early for key dates
The high flying Fijian rugby team is helping to boost the country’s profile as a sports tourism destination and also serving as a reminder that clients should be booking for 2024 now if they are looking at specific dates around events and school holidays.
Grand refurb in Port Vila
Grand Hotel and Casino Vanuatu is continuing it’s a$4.5million refurbishment, with all 74 guest rooms expected to have a new look by March-April next year.
While no major structural work is involved, the rooms will have new furniture, a fresh coat of paint, smart TVs, new headboards and lighting, plus cosmetic changes in the bathrooms.
New resort for Denarau, Fiji
A new luxury resort and lifestyle precinct, Vatu Talei - The Jewel, is set to open in late 2026, utilising the 10 vacant acres directly behind Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa.
The project is being undertaken by Richmond Pte Ltd, a joint venture partnership between BSP Life and Fiji Airways.
Expedia TAAP New Cal incentive
Expedia TAAP’s top two booking agents of New Caledonia Marriott Hotels this August will earn major rewards thanks to Marriott International Hotels, Aircalin, and New Caledonia Tourism.
New tours in Vanuatu
Vanuatu Eco Tours has added two new tours to its portfolio.
The Port Vila Town Tour launched earlier this year has had a strong response, with tours operating most days. This is an ideal one or two-day tour to get an introduction to Vanuatu’s history and culture, get an orientation of Port Vila (where to go, shop etc) plus the best lookouts and sights.
Relaunch of self famils to Niue
Air New Zealand is supporting strong demand to Niue by providing additional capacity to the destination.
Initially this has involved upsizing the aircraft to the A321 used for the once-a-week flight for most of the period to the end of October. This provides an extra 50 seats each way.
Second Radisson Blu for Fiji
A second Radisson Blu resort is slated to open near Nadi in the first quarter of 2026.
Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Fiji Naisoso Island will be a 250-key resort with direct beachfront access from apartments.
Niue whale season starts early
Niue welcomed the first migratory Oceania humpback whales to its shores last week, marking an early start to the traditional season, which runs from July to October. During this time, pods of humpback arrive to calve and nurse their young in the sheltered sanctuary of Niue.
Slow time in Taha’a
A guest at Le Taha’a is close enough to Bora Bora to see the sun set over the famous island. But they are also far enough away to have a completely different and far more laid back type of French Polynesian experience.
New Samoa tours platform
A new and easy way to earn commission on tours in Samoa has been launched this month.
Samoa Tours is a natural progression from Hawaii Tours – a call centre set up in Apia to help sell the US State.
Trade event highlights Samoa’s tourism revival
The strength of Samoa’s bounce-back post Covid has pleasantly surprised the tourism sector in the destination, with arrival figures already back to and sometimes topping 2019-20 numbers.
The country is this week hosting the first Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE 2023) for three years, with some 35 exhibitors and 55 plus international buyers and media (including a delegation of 12 from New Zealand) taking part.
New owners at Savaii resort
Robyn and Grant Thornley are the new owners and managers of the Savaii Lagoon Resort.
Robyn is a travel agent in New Zealand and her husband Grant is a commercial builder.
Club Raro revamp gives trade new opportunity – changes to adults only
The extensive renovation of a perennial favourite in Rarotonga gives New Zealand travel advisors a fresh new product to recommend and sell.
Club Raro has reopened after two months with a complete make-over of the public areas, restaurant, lobby, bar, pathways, pool and pool surrounds to create a new guest experience.
Fiji sees corporate enquiries bounce back
Fiji is seeing a bounce back in enquiries from incentives and corporate groups following in the footsteps of a strong return from the leisure market.
Tourism Fiji attended the recent Destination Marketing Services (DMS) re-Connect event along with Fiji Airways and destination marketing company (DMC) Tewaka.
Matai agents on famil
Thirty Silver Matai Agents visited Fiji this week, gaining first-hand knowledge and experience so they can sell the destisnation to their clients.
There were three groups, each exploring different regions of Fiji before joining another 10 Matai Silver agents for two nights at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa and a day of learning with 25 of Tourism Fiji’s industry partners.
Put Tahiti on repeat list
It is time for more New Zealanders to consider visiting French Polynesia more regularly, like they do other parts of the Pacific, rather than a one-off experience, says the general manager of Tahiti Travel Experts, Marieke Chataigner.
Chataigner is well versed in the Kiwi market, having worked as director global sales with Marriott in Auckland for six years.
Slow, steady, spread out: Tahiti Tourisme sets course
Preserving the cultural experience, controlling tourism development at sustainable levels and attracting people during the shoulder and low seasons are the important issues for Tahiti Tourisme, says CEO Jean-Marc Mocellin.
Asked about numbers targeted over the next few years, Mocellin says that figure is not an important one for the destination.
Trade advised to look at various options in Tahiti as destination ramps up
Agents are being urged to look at alternatives beyond traditional hotel accommodation packages in Tahiti to overcome any current capacity shortages in the destination.
The other advice being given as the destination hosts trade from around the world this week – including a New Zealand and Australian contingent – at the Parau Parau Tahiti (PPT) trade show is to have clients book as early as possible.
New villas at Taumeasina
Taumeasina Island Resort in Samoa has opened new deluxe Cove Villas as part of its ongoing development and plan to expand facilities to accommodate growing demand.
The three-bedroom villas are situated on the mainland, a short stroll across the causeway from the island and all offer views of the Pacific Ocean with the resort as their backdrop.
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Brand refresh for Tourism Fiji
Tourism Fiji has rolled out a refreshed take on its renowned ‘happiness’ brand platform, just over a year on from borders reopening to tourists.
‘Where happiness comes naturally’ is an evolution that pays homage to Fiji’s local people, natural environments, culture and authentic experiences on offer, encouraging travellers to discover a side to Fiji they may not have known existed.
PRHG relaunches Pacific Pearls
Pacific Resort Hotel Group (PRHG) has relaunched its successful Pacific Pearls Programme in 2023.
This follows the announcement that Lydia Haydon of YOU Travel was the Pacific Pearls annual achiever for 2022, registering the highest number of room nights throughout the year. Haydon’s prize is a Black Pearl necklace and seven nights accommodation at a PRHG property that she has sold during the year.
New activities at Outrigger
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort has added a Sip and Paint activity, which includes a complimentary drink and canapés.
The activity is guided by local Fijian artists and involves painting on a 400mm x 300mm canvas (painting accessories provided. The activity will take place on the resort’s Reef lawn on specified days and costs F$99.
Fiji resort showcases weddings
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa hosted a wedding exhibition at the five-star property recently.
Fifteen luxury wedding planners, public relations executives, and media representatives from New Zealand, Australia and North America were flown into Fiji for an immersive destination itinerary and one-day trade show between planners and local wedding vendors.
