Tuesday 03rd December 2013 Issue 40
“…It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…Everywhere you go....” VTO wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2014!
Inside this issue: News from the office , VTO Out n About, Industry News, Trade & Media, Events & Festivals , Entertainment
News from the office Midweek Interview with Anne Morris, Australian Representative, VTO
VTO Out n About Snap shots taken during the chairmanship handing over ceremony last week, a fun & sweaty afternoon out and about along Pango Road where staff were seen power walking - part of office “stay healthy keep fit” every fortnight Tuesday activity.
Posted online Travel Weekly on 4 December, 2013: VTO’s Anne Morris steps into the spotlight to share her passion for her destination, her belief in the importance of smiling and a weakness for red wine in this week's Midweek Interview. Go here for Ms Morris’ interview.
VTO Board, Management and Staff welcome new Chairman Philip Malas
The Board, Management and staff of the Vanuatu Tourism Office bid farewell to the former chairman Mr Noel Faionalave last week and on Thursday 28th November, VTO Board formally welcomed its new Chairman during its end of year closing meeting. Read more.
Vanuatu strives to improve tourism infrastructure
VTO had fun down at the Holiday Inn yesterday during staff photo shoot for the office xmas e-card! Thank you Mr Tait and HI team for allowing us to take photos on the beach.
Posted online Travel Weekly on 4 December, 2013 by Anne Majumdar: Vanuatu is heavily focusing on improving its tourism infrastructure in a bid to attract more airlines, international hotel chains and ultimately visitors from around the world to the island nation. Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) general manager Linda Kalpoi told Travel Today that negotiations are underway with a number of countries keen to invest in a new international airport. Although some Australian interest has been registered, the most attractive offers have come from Korea, China and Singapore. Read more.
Complimentary web changes this month
Vanuatu Tourism operators and hoteliers are reminded that from 1st to 31st December 2013, all changes to webpages in the Vanuatu Tourism website www.vanuatu.travel will not be charged as outlined in the Website Policy and Charges 2013 – 2014. Contact the VTO to update your page. Read more. Publisher & Design: VTO. Host : Issuu.com. Images: Travel Weekly, IG Media, Miss South Pacific association, David Kirkland, Ratua Foundation. © All rights reserved. This electronic magazine may not be reproduced in any form, in whole, or part, without the consent of the publisher. The VTO can not be held liable for any information contained in the advertisements. COPYRIGHT: VANUATU TOURISM OFFICE. Vanuatu Tourism Office, PO Box 209, Port Vila, Vanuatu. Ph (678)
22515 / 22685. Email tourism@vanuatu.travel. Web www.vanuatu.travel
Industry News Vote Miss Vanuatu Valerie Martinez online for Miss South Pacific 2013
Ratua Foundation successfully completes 2013 One Child One Bag
The VTO acknowledges and congratulates Ratua Private Island’s Foundation organization for releasing its 2013 report which shows that Ratua has had a great year filled with activities and projects, one of which grabbed the industry’s attention and touched Vanuatu Tourism’s heart - Ratua Foundation’s One Child One Bag project. Thank you Ratua for this wonderful initiative! Read full story here
Trade & Media The winner for Miss South Pacific – Miss Internet will be announced at the Crowning Gala in Honiara - Solomon Islands this Saturday 7th December! Click on photo to vote.
Miss South Pacific Pageant 2013 Contestants draw order of appearance
Source Miss South Pacific 2013 FB: The contestants of this year's 'Carpenters' Miss South Pacific Pageant 2013' have drawn their order of appearance for the rest of the Pageant Week from the 01-07 December 2013…Read more.
Nambanga Restaurant closes for holiday
By HTLTC Management: Thank you very much for everyone’s support this year. Our students learn greatly from the practical experience they gain through serving customers at the Nambanga Restaurant. Read more.
Vanuatu – hot to trot in 2014
Vanuatu has been named one of the world’s hottest destinations for 2014 in Australia’s Fairfax Traveller newspaper supplement with Malekula, Santo, Mount Yasur and Pentecost Land Diving rating mentions. Prominent freelance travel writer Lance Richardson, explored Vanuatu this year and was so impressed with its vast tourism offering that he is encouraging Australians to put it on their 2014 travel hit list. Lance was especially taken with Ratua Private Island Resort and recommended visitors experience the diving at sites such as SS President Coolidge and Million Dollar Point. You can read the full story here – with the Vanuatu focus at the bottom of the page. Go to story.
The Spirit Of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
By Kate Verberne on November 19, 2013: It is the largest island in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu, with 3,955.5 km² of lush rainforest, scattered islands and coastline boasting some of the best dive sites in Vanuatu. Espiritu Santo is a short 45 minute flight from Port Vila but feels miles away from anywhere. There are now also quick connecting international and domestic flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland arriving five times a week, making Espiritu even more accessible. Read more.
Trade & Media BTV cable ziplines Vanuatu into youtube
Vanuatu Tourism Office thanks Ms Rie (South Pacific Tours / The Melanesian Hotel), Management of Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, and BTV Cable for ongoing efforts and support towards assisting VTO in promoting Vanuatu abroad. Click on image to view.
Events & Festivals