Pacific Islands
Kiwi agents get taste of the Islands of Tahiti
Tahiti Tourisme hosted a group of New Zealand agents late last year in partnership with Air New Zealand.
New accommodation choice in Rarotonga
Turama Pacific reports that Mango Cottage is a recently opened two-bedroom retreat that blends comfort, privacy and convenience in the village of Ngatangiia, Rarotonga. It is a two-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from Muri Beach, cafés and restaurants.
Niue food and adventure tour
Niue Tourism and Our Pacific have launched a fully inclusive, hosted tour package together for foodies and adventure lovers.
New Cal fam returns
A group of travel agents had the opportunity to visit New Caledonia recently.
The group was hosted at various locations, starting in the ‘wild west’ of New Caledonia, Bourail, with a stay at Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort. Before checking in and having a welcome dinner at the hotel’s beachfront restaurant, the agents visited the New Zealand Military Cemetery to honour the soldiers who died during World War II.
The following day included a snorkelling excursion along the underwater trail on Poé Beach, followed by lunch at a table d’hote and a visit to the Boulouparis Distillery before returning to Noumea for an overnight stay at Le Méridien Noumea Resort & Spa.
While in the capital, the group explored the city and visited Tjibaou Cultural Centre to learn more about the Kanak culture. The following days included a guided tour of the Blue River Park in the Great South, bathing at Maitre Island and Anse Vata Beach, and site visits to hotels in Noumea, including Château Royal Beach Resort & Spa, DoubleTree by Hilton Maitre Island, and Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences.
New Caledonia Tourism NZ trade manager, Manuela Nielsen who accompanied the group, says travel agents are essential in helping travellers feel confident that New Caledonia is once again ready to be explored and enjoyed.
Aircalin has recently announced its 2026 travel industry rates from Auckland to Noumea, with the following rates –travel agent fare $269 plus taxes (return), companion $349 plus taxes (return.)
Vanuatu to launch self-famil programme
The New Zealand travel trade should watch out for the launch of a self-famil programme in Vanuatu next year.
Waya Island Resort adds rooms
Waya Island Resort in Fiji’s southern Yasawa group has increased its inventory from 18 to 25 rooms over its two years of opening.
Hotel Le Lagon Nouméa: value in prime location
A favourite since the 1970s, and renovated in 2022, Hotel Le Lagon Nouméa continues to offer friendly service, modern comfort, and excellent value.
B2B hub for New Caledonia
New Caledonia Tourism has launched its new B2B platform, a centralised hub to support industry professionals with the tools they need to promote and engage with the destination.
New DOSM, agent rates at Fiji resort
Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa has appointed Lisa Costello as its new director of sales and marketing, effective 1 November 2025.
Crowne Plaza Fiji ups ante for weddings, events
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa has officially unveiled its new state-of-the-art convention centre and event space, marking the completion of a multi-million dollar transformation for the property.
Solomons, Tonga build on momentum
By Faye Spooner
Solomon Islands and Tonga have been quick to build on the momentum of the recent Treasures of the Pacific event, by hosting their first dedicated joint roadshow in more than a decade.
Vanuatu's Grand Hotel close to opening
The Grand Hotel & Casino in Port Vila is nearing completion of a major restoration project that has seen it rebuilt for resilience following the December 2024 earthquake in Vanuatu that caused damage along Port Vila’s waterfront.
Staying in a bubble in New Cal
Bulles de Farino (the bubbles of Farino), brings glamping to another level – secluded in tropical bushland, 120km from Nouméa.
New residences in Mamanucas
Six Senses Fiji is expanding, with three new residences set to open from early 2026.
Hike, picnic, spot the Cagou
By Faye Spooner
For clients keen to explore New Caledonia beyond the beach, Toutazimut Eco Tours offers guided hikes through Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue - an hour from Nouméa.
New brand for Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga has a new destination brand, “Kingdom of Tonga: The Friendly Islands”, developed in partnership with tourism marketing specialists Tomahawk.
Noumea overwater luxury
Wholesalers and media attending the New Caledonia Tourism workshop last week had the opportunity to visit and dine at DoubleTree by Hilton Nouméa Îlot Maître Resort.
Locally focused in New Caledonia
New products such as glamping, guesthouses and locally owned lodges are driving a shift toward more authentic experiences in New Caledonia and were among the experiences highlighted at the destination’s (re)discover workshop this week.
(Re)discovering a key market: NZ trade returns to New Cal
By Faye Spooner
The (re)discover New Caledonia Mini Workshop has officially kicked off.
New Cal’s profile lift
The New Zealand travel trade will see a burst of activity from New Caledonia over the next few weeks, aimed at ensuring agents that the destination is safe and keen to give their clients an enjoyable holiday.
Cook Islands' tourism gongs
Rising stars, tourism leaders and high achieving businesses were in the spotlight at the 2025 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards.
Tahiti’s sustainability pathway
Now in the third phase of its Sustainable Tourism Plan 2030, Tahiti Tourisme has announced the next steps in a nationwide pathway to use tourism for good.
Kiwi arrivals to Fiji surge
Fiji has recorded a 9% increase in visitor arrivals from NZ in August 2025 compared to the same month in 2024.
New website, more domestic flights to boost Vanuatu travel
The new vanuatu.travel website is now live.
Pacific notes: Book early for Cooks, more Tahiti options, Tonga ramps up NZ profile
Cook Islands Tourism expects arrivals out of New Zealand to reach their best figures yet in 2025, having reached the milestone of exceeding pre-covid levels in the first six months of the year.
Tahiti extends message
Tahiti Tourisme’s three intimate dinners at Auckland’s Pacific-influenced Metita restaurant last week highlighted gastronomy as a key strength in the destination’s visitor industry arsenal.
Ritz-Carlton for Fiji
The Ritz-Carlton Fiji, Namuka Bay is expected to open in 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Fiji.
Second vessel for Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon Cruises in Fiji will launch a second vessel, the MV Yasawa Princess II in April 2026.
Nauru Airlines adds to Fiji schedule
Nauru Airlines will add scheduled services from Nauru to Suva from 28 August. The airline already operates weekly flights from Nauru to Nadi International Airport.
Matamanoa to close for reno
High-end Fijian resort Matamanoa Island will demolish its 13 existing resort rooms early next year and then build 26 new rooms in that category further back into the island’s mountain.
New Caledonia Tourism launches self-famil programme for agents
The tourism board for New Caledonia has announced the destination’s first self-famil programme, giving agents and wholesalers the opportunity to explore the New Caledonia at their own pace and to their personal preferences.
New Santo resort
Exclusive Sunrise Resort, a new adults-only boutique retreat on the east coast of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu, is keen to work with New Zealand travel agents.
CCC's refreshed day sail
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s Day Sail will have a refreshed itinerary including Kadavu Lailai private beach and reef in the Mamanucas plus an optional side excursion to Treasure sand bar and reef.
Niue gets message out to global buyers
Niue Island was out in in force at last week’s SPTE (South Pacific Tourism Expo).
New rooms at Outrigger Fiji
OUTRIGGER Fiji promoted its latest accommodation choices – Plantation Pool Bures and Resort View Courtyards – at the Fiji Tourism Exchange this week.
Tourism Fiji eyes incentives, cruise and transit markets – new website to assist trade
Tourism Fiji will be ramping up its promotion and marketing in the meetings, incentives and conferences sector this year.
Adults-only area for Sheraton Fiji
An adults-only area is set to open at Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort before Christmas, with construction starting in September.
Wedding concierge service
A wedding concierge service designed to offer couples a stress-free and personalised wedding planning experience has been introduced by Fiji’s Bula Bride.
Fiji development pipeline strong as destination set on accentuating value
Providing value for visitors in a competitive world is a key focus for Fiji as it marks a number of major milestones and looks to add significant inventory over the next 12 to 18 months.
New Vanuatu campaign
Vanuatu Tourism Office has launched a new consumer campaign in New Zealand, inviting Kiwis to ‘board their next adventure’ with the launch of Vanuatu Adventure Passes. Running through to 30 May 2025, the nationwide campaign is designed to position Vanuatu as the tropical getaway for culturally curious, experience-seeking travellers.
Tonga push at STE25
Tonga is gearing up for a major presence at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange in Fiji this month, where destination representatives will meet with global trade partners, wholesalers, and online travel agencies (OTAs) to further strengthen its international relationships.
Tahiti glamping inspired
Apatoa Beach & Garden Village is a contemporary boutique hotel located in a former coconut grove in the far southwest of the island of Raiatea, Tahiti.
New EVs for TEWAKA
Fijian-owned tourism transport operator, TEWAKA has added four new electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet.
Big year ahead for Cooks
The Cook Islands is on track for its biggest tourism year yet, with visitor numbers expected to surpass 2019 levels.
New Samoa hotel
Lava Hotel Apia is now available for booking, reports Turama Pacific Travel Group.
Fiji's new wine, whiskey bar
Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort has opened Cellar & Barrel, dedicated to fine wine, rare whiskey, spirits, as well as cocktails.
Cook Islands’ Atiu bungalows reopen
Turama Pacific Travel Group reports that Atiu Kia Orana Bungalows in the Cook Islands has reopened under new management, offering an authentic island retreat in Areora village.
Popular Mamanuca resort reopens with more dining, pools and conservation hub
A popular choice for New Zealand clients in the Mamanucas, Likuliku Lagoon Resort will reopen on 1 May following a major F$10m revitalisation project.
Plantation development
One of the New Zealand market’s most popular island resorts in Fiji has announced a major development.
Samoa's new luxury retreat
Moanalei Villas, Samoa’s newest five-star retreat, is set for a soft opening in August/September 2025.
New VIP experience at APW
A new service has been introduced at Apia Airport to meet the growing demand for luxury travel experiences.
VTO hosts trade partners on Port Vila recovery famil
The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) recently welcomed key New Zealand trade partners on an immersive inspection of Port Vila’s tourism offerings.
VTO hosts trade partners on Port Vila recovery famil
The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) recently welcomed key New Zealand trade partners on an immersive inspection of Port Vila’s tourism offerings.
Samoa set for more tourism growth
By Faye Spooner
Expanding airline capacity and growing interest from emerging markets as well as strong numbers from New Zealand are all adding to ‘remarkable growth’ for Samoa’s tourism sector, says Sonny Rivers, New Zealand sales and marketing representative for the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA).
More...
Denarau development takes shape
A boost to Denarau inventory over the next two years was detailed at the recent Fiji Matai showcase.
Mamanuca resorts ring changes: New inventory, refurbishments revealed
A number of resorts in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands have major renovation programmes and product additions that have just opened or are being worked on now.
New Papeete hotel selection
Our Pacific has solved the Papeete bottle-neck for pre and post cruises and island stays, by bringing on-line eight Papeete hotel options covering a range of price points and locations, says Rick Felderhof, MD of Our Pacific.
Exposure to Fiji’s evolving product range gives hooks for new and repeat visitors
The evolution of Fiji’s tourism offerings was highly evident during a key trade event at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa over the weekend.
