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February 2010

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No. 18

Excerpts from several newsletter and other sources, December 2010

 Tonga's First Popular Majority Parliamentary Election
Philip J. Crowley
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
November 25, 2010


The United States congratulates the government and the people of Tonga on today’s historic elections, and commends His Majesty King George Tupou V for his committed efforts to bring about genuine democratic reform. Today’s election of the nation’s first popular majority parliament marks a watershed moment for the Tongan people, clearly demonstrating that the democratic value of people having a say in their own government applies across cultures and regions.
The United States applauds the Tongan people as they advance further on their democratic journey, and looks forward to continuing and strengthening its engagement with the government of Tonga and its citizens.

source

US foreign Ministry

   

Cook Islasnds push for major tourism growth
Planners hope to double current 100,000 figure
By Nerys Case
Cook SUVA, Fiji (Islands Business, Nov.22, 2010) – Forum hears Cook Islands Tourism’s (CIT) plan for dramatic visitor growth.
Tourist numbers are set to double over the next few years if Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) plans work out.
"We are poised for dramatic growth," said Tata Crocombe, chairman of the board of Cook Islands Tourism.
He was addressing a crowd of over 150 local tourism operators along with 26 overseas wholesalers at a tourism forum at the weekend.
Crocombe said that growing the tourism industry was the only way to stem the flow of Cook Islanders overseas.
"We still lose 15 to 20 per cent of the population every year. There is only one way to turn it around - by growing the economy. And there is only one way to do that through tourism."
If successful, doubling tourist numbers would mean 100,000 Kiwis coming to the Cook Islands every year the same number that visits Fiji. The increase would mean 50,000 Australians, 25,000 Americans and Canadians, 25,000 Europeans and 5000 from other markets including Japan and China.
The forum heard that the key to getting more tourists here is increasing the number of flights. Crocombe mapped out how CIT was working with airlines to get more planes into Rarotonga airport. The board currently has three flight suggestions they are planning to present to the new government.
They want to make sure that the Los Angeles flight continues, which at present CIT is ‘fighting tooth and nail’ to keep.
Crocombe said there are plans to increase marketing in the U.S. so that more tourists are driven to visit the Cook Islands.
This will mean that CIT can push for a second weekly flight from Los Angeles by 2012.
Visiting wholesaler, Linda Gutenhunst of South Seas Adventures, said that the fact that United States visitors could only come to the Cook Islands for either one or two weeks made getting people here a challenge. An extra flight would provide more flexibility and make the destination more attractive to the United States market.
Crocombe called the three month trial of the Sydney to Rarotonga flight a ‘resounding success’.
"Money to market the service was, in the early stages, redirected to the Aitutaki recovery which meant a late start on marketing. But we finished strongly and it resulted in buoyancy in the market. We believe this can be a year-round service. We want to work closely with Aussie wholesalers."
The final proposal which the government decided not to underwrite earlier this year due to budget constraints is reinstating the direct flight to Nadi.
Air Pacific is proposing the flight but is currently undergoing restructuring, so the plan has been put on hold for the moment. But Crocombe said that he would like to see the flight coming in once a week.
"With Cook Islands Tourism revived, we believe it can be the conductor in the orchestra which is set to develop Cook Islands tourism. We are trying to make sure that in five years the destination is still here and has improved."
Copyright © 2010 Islands Business International. All Rights
http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2010/December/12-03-19.htm

Source:

Islands Business Magazine: http://www.islandsbusiness.com
    

International contest will bring worlds best to Cook Islands

Kitesurfing has exploded in recent years as the hottest and edgiest of extreme water sports, and it’s only getting bigger. Kitesurfers travel around the world in pursuit of wind, water and waves – and some of the best are eyeing the Cook Islands. In June of next year, some of the biggest names in kitesurfing will head for the Cooks to vie for the top spot at an inaugural international kitesurfing competition in Aitutaki. In just a few short months, the Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association has managed to organise its first big event, which promises to catapult the Cook Islands on to the international stage as a kitesurfing destination. The competition will open with an exhibition event on Saturday June 25 at Muri lagoon. The real thing opens on Wednesday June 29 at Motu Maina Iti off Aitutaki, and lasts through Saturday July 2. CISNOC, Tourism Cook Islands and Air Rarotonga have already agreed to sponsor the competition. Read more. (Source: Cook Islands News 6th November, 2010)

source:

  SPTO "Pacific Pulse" 26th of Nov. 2010
    

Thank you from Expo
 Ms. Tracy Warren  head of the Samoa delegation at the Pacific Pavilion during Expo 2010 holds the crystal thank you award of participation from the Expo Bureau on her recent visit to Shanghai last week to attend the CITM.  Also in the picture is popular young graduate volunteer in the Pavilion Niki Wang who holds Samoa’s certificate of appreciation for Samoa’s donation to the Expo Museum.  All other participating countries will receive their crystal awards and certificates of appreciation at the next SPTO Board Directors and Tourism Ministers meeting early next year. 

source:

 SPTO "Pacific Pulse" 26th of Nov. 2010
 

 

 July tourism figures up 5% compared to last year
July tourism figures in French Polynesia are up compared to 2009. A total of 17,790 visitors came to Tahiti and Her Islands in July 2010. It is precisely 5,6% more compared to July 2009, the French Polynesia Council of ministers announced. Only 16 583 visitors came to Tahiti and Her Islands in July 2009. The July 11 total solar eclipse explains these good results, the French Polynesia government explained. Thousands of visitors, mainly from the USA or Europe, came to French Polynesia for the event.
Read more. (Source: Tahitipresse 21st November, 2010)

source:

 SPTO "Pacific Pulse" 26th of Nov. 2010