Wednesday 11th September 2013 Issue 29
News from the office National Tourism Capacity Building Program facilitated by TVET
Accreditation system in place to encourage quality accommodations in outer islands
2013 is a milestone for the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) as staff members of the two institutions are undergoing a series of capacity building programs funded by the Ausaid TVET Sector Strengthening Program. The National Tourism Capacity Building Program was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2013 by the Department of Tourism and the TVET Program. The program covers a series of 6 workshops ranging on relevant topics covering today’s tourism growth such as product marketing, promotional materials development, online booking systems, bungalow development, accreditation & standards, product management, strategic market analysis and project management. A series of 3 workshops have been conducted since May this year whereby the 18 participants from both DOT and VTO are building their capacity to ensure that Vanuatu’s tourism industry is developed, managed and promoted to visitors visiting the country. Workshop Facilitators, Mr. Pascal Gavotto from Fatumaru Lodge and Ms. Joanne Wade from Poppy’s On the Lagoon.. . Read more.
By Charlie Sikal, VTO attaché media student: The Vanuatu Tourism office (VTO) will soon be updating its outer Island bungalows listing on www.vanuatu.travel in the upcoming week, to encourage bungalows reach minimum standard as required by the accreditation process monitored by the Department of Tourism (DOT). This system is a first of its kind which is being implemented this year by the DOT product development officers in all 6 provinces. Tasks to include evaluating accommodations which are the island bungalows and budget guest houses in the outer islands. So far, only one province is yet to submit its list to the DOT before the VTO can start updating its website’s bungalows list to show only bungalows that pass the minimum standards. The accreditation is a positive step forward that will pave way for improving destination hospitality service in the accommodation sector especially in the outer islands and in return, boost competiveness of Vanuatu as a top holiday destination in the south pacific. This will benefit bungalow owners and help grow local… Read more.
Workshop - Digital Marketing and the Accommodation Buying Cycle 16th – 27th September
Following successful pilots conducted in Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati and the Cook Islands by the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) to build a stronger online presence for accommodations, SPTO and Pacific Islands Trade and Invest (PT&I) are pleased to extend the project to Vanuatu with funding provided by the European Union, to registered members of tourism associations in the accommodation sector. The project aims to get as many accommodation providers as possible in Vanuatu set up with professional e-commerce tools (web, mobile and social media sites, booking engine etc.), combined with channel management tools to enable third party distribution via sites such as Wotif, Booking.com, Expedia and others. It is also planned to supply all participating accommodations with interconnected Facebook sites with a booking widget embedded, plus providing help to build your TripAdvisor presence. The workshop will commence next week on Monday September where hoteliers will learn about the latest in digital marketing and next steps for those who wish to take advantage of this project. The Vanuatu Tourism Office would like to sincerely acknowledge the tremendous support of the European Union, the South Pacific Tourism Organization, and Pacific Island Invest in this important project. Publisher: VTO. Host : Issuu.com. Design & Cover: VTO. Image credits: Charmaine Roberts, David Kirkland, Malampa.travel, Ocean Blue, Albet Pita, Alofa Bungalows, Vanuatu Limo, Barista Vanuatu, Vanuatu Helicopters, Fest Napuan © 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
VTO Staff Out & About Below are photos snapped during the TVET training at Coconut Palms Resort from 3rd – 5th September 2013, and a shots taken on the 30th August Tourism Ambassador parade.
Website newcomer Holiday Solutions
Alofa Beach Bungalows
Apology: Vanuatu Luxury Limo correct mobile contact
The Editor would like to apologize for publishing an incorrect number in last week’s story on Vanuatu Mobile Massage. The correct contact to book for a Vanuatu Mobile Massage is 5573529 and not 5988252.
Local Industry Ocean Blue Fishing news
It's been an exciting time for groups over the last few months, with the recent mothership expeditions tapping into sensational fishing up in the remote islands. Picture shallow water fishing, dogtooth getting airborne chasing down poppers, as well as brute GT's & angry coral trout keeping anglers well and truly stetched. 44 dogtooth landed in 4 days tells only part of the story, with lures busted and jigs reefed, line shredded and drags smoking all part of the magic on these exploratory trips. A guest Nelson Dueza says, "Just got back from the exploratory expedition, my first time in Vanuatu. We had an amazing time from getting smashed by GT's, Doggies, Coral trout, so much fun. Not to mention living on board Rendezvous a great home to come back too a great time with a great bunch of blokes. Thank you Anthony, Andrea, Eric, Errol, Steve, Tom and Tony for a truly amazing holiday". Visit Ocean Blue www.oceanbluefishing.com
Air Vanuatu Jet Returns Early From Major Service Media release, 05 September 2013 : Air Vanuatu’s Boeing 737-800 will return from its C-Check service in Singapore ahead of schedule, the airline’s CEO Joseph Laloyer has said. The C-Check, one of the aircraft’s major inspections began on 11 August and since that time, the airline has been chartering a Boeing 737-300 aircraft from Airwork New Zealand. “We’re delighted the jet is returning early, as no doubt our frequent flyers and first time travelers are as well. The C-Check was completed successfully and our jet has once again been given a healthy tick of approval,” Mr. Laloyer said. The aircraft’s first scheduled flight is tomorrow (Friday) on NF21 from Brisbane to Port Vila. The Qantas Codeshare agreement will resume on the 12th of September, which is in line with the initial planned maintenance period of the 737, Mr Laloyer said. “We’re also pleased to advise our Brisbane-Santo services will resume next week on 10 September, as scheduled.” Mr. Laloyer thanked the industry for its understanding during the necessary planned maintenance of the aircraft. Media inquiries: Tiffany Carroll Tel +678 7747153.
Local Industry Vanuatu International Barista Championship 2013 October 25th 2013 – Vanuatu Salon Culinaire
Vanuatu Helicopters launches 2 new products
Applications are now being taken for the Vanuatu International Barista Championship 2013 to be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Entry is open to qualified Vanuatu Barista and international competitors. The competition will be run on World Barista Championship rules.
Moso Island has been blessed with an abundance of marine life. One of the most wonderfully diverse marine sites out of Vila with over 18 different dive sites! Fly with us from down town Port Vila over the Cascade waterfall across the ridge to where the Havannah Harbour exposes its full glory to you. This harbour has the best weather is always sheltered and the marine life is second to none. As we fly out to Moso Island you can view the potential dives spots from the air. Spot a turtle or two before landing at our purpose built heli pad next to Tranquility Island Resort. From here the Dive guys will take over and kit you out with all the appropriate gear. Our dive sites have a great range of soft and hard corals, reef fish and, on certain sites large pelagics may be seen. We also often see Eagle Rays and a range of marine mammals like Dolphins and Dugongs. Divers need to bring their card and non-divers wanting to do an intro dive must have no health problems. Bookings are essential. Cost is: 31,000vt (full day excursion) Price includes: Heli and road Transfers, 2 dives and dive gear, and lunch.
Competitors will have to prepare and serve 4 espresso, 4 cappuccinos and 4 signature drinks under the evaluation of sensory judges and technical judges. How to enter 1. Print the application available at https://www.facebook.com/BaristaVanuatu or by email at Marc.Warin@aptc.edu.au or Gavotto@vanuatu.com.vu 2. Complete the application (contact details are very important!) 3. Bring your application and the entry fee (2500 VUV for Vanuatu resident applicants; 5000 VUV for international applicants) to the APTC administration office or email to your application to: Marc.Warin@aptc.edu.au 4. International participants will pay while in Vanuatu.
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Heli/Diving Adventure
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Heli/Jungle Zipline
The competition will be run on Friday, 25 October 2013 during the Vanuatu Salon Culinaire near Chantilly’s On the Bay. From the 22th of October the contestant will be able to practice and fine tune their coffee preparation on premises using the Boema Expresso coffee machines and grinders. On the day of championship, contestants will have 15 minutes to set-up, 15 minutes to prepare their coffees, and 15 minutes to clean up while the judges review their coffee. Sponsors will offer fantastic prizes. The top Vanuatu Baristas from the last two National Championships as well as the 5 top place winners of this year’s domestic competition will be able to compete against international competitors. Prior to the event, competitors will be able to attend barista workshops hosted by international barista trainers and international judges. Contestants are encouraged to invite friends and families to the event to cheer them on to victory. Questions? Call Marc on +678 24066 or +678 5567422 or email to marc.warin@aptc.edu.au or Gavotto@vanuatu.com.vu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaristaVanuatu
Get your adrenalin fix and come for a fast paced flight up and down a jungle canyon before arriving in pure style at your next adventure. The Vanuatu Jungle Canyon Zipline is another heart pumping knee shaking jaw clenching trip which will leave you talking about it for the rest of the day. Completely safe you are attached to wire rope the whole time as you make your way over six ziplines some 200 metres long and 80 metres high, plus two suspension bridges to finish at a secret waterfall! Cost: 29,000vt (approx. AUD$305); includes the jungle canyon flight + return flight (approx. 30minutes) and The zipline excursion. For more information, email Alison@helicopters.net.nz. Visit on
Trade & Media Where Mount Yasur Vanuatu is at – Virtual Tourist
An 8th Wonder of the World update: Virtual Tourist has advised the VTO that Mount Yasur is currently in the Top 200* out of 334 nominations. We have 1 ½ months to move up the leaderboard as voting closes on September 30th so industry operators, colleagues, please remind your business partners, family, friends and fans to vote! To gain more votes, forward this link http://www.virtualtourist.com/8thwonder and ask recipients to vote for Mount Yasur, Tanna, share the link on your social media channels, have the link in an email blast or newsletter to your subscriber base and ask them to vote for Mount Yasur. Top Place groups are Top 5, Top 10, Top 25, Top 50, Top 100, Top 150, Top 200, Top 250, Top 300, Top 350. Help the VTO help Vanuatu get into the finals and make us known to a wider scope of potential tourists!!!
Be “King of the World” on P & O
EVENTS & festivals
Reggae Band Masamp Crew to play at Fest Napuan
Source: e-Travel Business Australia Cruise News 28 August 2013: Can you imagine being Kate Winslett and Leonardo DiCaprio perched on the bow of the Titanic? Well now you can … well kind of … with P&O Cruises Australia launching “Titanic Moments”, right on the bow, with a photographer, as part of its portfolio of new P&O Edge features being launched shortly on all its Australian vessels. P&O is revolutionising its onboard offerings through its Edge programme, with other secret P&O Edge features including funnel climbing, with details of the programme’s 20 activities to be officially unveiled in October. Other Edge features are reported to be an adventure park, a flying fox, a Segway obstacle course and the circus rig on Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl, where passengers can walk the tightrope or performing, what was described as a leap of faith. new Lego programme, the first Lego experience at sea, with reportedly 75,000 leg bricks, with the Lego programme being the final piece in a programme of 40 kids activities that will be offered every day for passengers, with others, some in place already, including Sleepy Heads, Teen Jam and Stop Motion Pro’s Broad Shorts, giving kids the chance to create their own animated short movie while at sea … and more… Read more.
Written By Mark Remedy Taiki: From humble beginnings the reggae band Masamp Crew has held true to its roots since its conception in 2006. They have made their mark in the regional scene with their two well known songs “West Papua” and “Right Teachings”. Based at the Wan Smol Bag Youth Centre, the band derives its name from the term “Massive Amps” with its intent to always create “big sounds”. They have toured Malekula and have had a major presence in Port Vila through festivals such as Fest Napuan. Elements from their home islands in Malekula, Ambrym, Pentecost, and Erromango can be heard in their music through the use of traditional instruments and lyrical content. The band was formed as a way to deter its members from criminal activities in “Hollen 73 Distrik”. As a result their conscious sounds have brought to light several social problems. Issues such as unemployment, human rights, and regional conflict are re-occurring themes in their music. The response from listeners has been positive, and their progression in music has allowed them to adopt new styles and sounds. In an industry dominated by computer producers and auto tune pluggins, it is great to hear artists staying true to their craft and consistently putting out authentic reggae singles. If you’d like to hear more from them, make sure you attend this year’s Fest Napuan Festival at the Saralana Stage on the 16th to the 20th of October.