Thursday 29th August 2013 Issue 27

Inside: News from the office

VTO Out n About Industry Invitation

Industry News Website Newcomer

Trade & Media Events & Festivals

Entertainment

News from the office

Publisher: VTO. Host : Issuu.com. Design & Cover: VTO. Image credits: Martine Robin, Sebastien Bador, Zoomslide Production, Vanuatu Adventure Race, Wilco Relay, Cyclo Efate. © 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 . Website www.vanuatu.travel

Article Source Daily Post, Friday 23rd August 2013

Tok Tok Vanuatu moved to 2014 Following the postponement of Tok Tok and the announcement of new proposed dates many of our buyers, especially in our long haul source markets, are unable to commit to the new November dates and are instead undertaking famils in the destination. Due to this uptake it has been decided to postpone Tok Tok to next year 2014 and we will confirm details of this in due course. For our Australian & New Zealand buyers that do have availability along with Air Vanuatu’s preferred dates during the week of 11 November we are proposing to them that we will hold a product managers famil and industry event so we are still committed and supporting them to travel to Vanuatu this year. These details are to be confirmed upon feedback from the buyers. The VTO is refunding all Tok Tok registration fees to buyers and suppliers in the next couple of weeks.

New Vanuatu brochure for Japanese market released

On Friday 23rd August, the GM of VTO Ms Linda Kalpoi was presented with the new Vanuatu destination brochure for the Japanese market, produced by the Japanese Pacific Island Center. Above left to right: Ms Rie (The Melanesian), Mrs Linda Kalpoi, and Vanuatu-Japan student attachee Elizabeth Morgeror.

VTO Staff Out & About

Below are photos taken at the New Caledonia road shows which was attended by VTO (Martin Robin, and Jackie Kalo) and several industry hoteliers and operators. Story on page 2. The VTO thanks all participants and looks forward to seeing everyone again in the next event. Following the roadshow pictures are the second set of photos taken during the Micro-Finance Trade Fair week, attended by the VTO GM who facilitated an agreement signing between Vanuatu and New Zealand Governments, for the upgrading along Port Vila seafront to the Star wharf.

Good morning Chairmans, Presidents and respected Officials of the Tourism Industry of Vanuatu, I am emailing on behalf of the Chairman of the Project Steering Committee for the Vanuatu Tourism Ambassador Mekem

Gud Mekem Mani Programme, Mr. George Borugu. On Friday 30th August 2013, 1100AM the Vanuatu Tourism Ambassador Mekem Gud Mekem Mani Programme

funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme will be officially launched. We invite you to participate in this launching programme. The programme objective is to improve both the experience

provided to visitors and the income earning potential of keen and capable tourism businesses in Vanuatu (initially via a Pilot Programme in and around Port Vila). The programme will be implemented by the Department of Tourism.

Find attached your invitation as a relevant stakeholder by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Honourable Toara Daniel. There is also a tentative programme attached for your perusal.

There will be a parade on Friday commencing at 1030AM from the Moorings Hotel to the Seafront Digicel Stage. We encourage you to participate in the parade if you are able to do so.

Thank you for considering the invitation and to participate in the event on Friday. Please confirm if you are able to participate or send in a representative on your behalf by responding to my email by Wednesday 28th August 2013.

Remember- Tourism is Everybody’s Business.

Industry invitation: Vanuatu Tourism Ambassador “Mekem Gud Mekem Mani Programme” launch

Salon Culinaire 2013

By VCFHA guideline August 2013: The Vanuatu Chefs & Food Handling Association (VCFHA) is very excited again to bring you The Salon Culinaire in 2013 and we are excited about the new classes we have to offer in this year’s competition. The Vanuatu Chefs Association (VCA) is a professional group promoting within communities chefs’ skills, career opportunities and culinary education. We are proud to be the local member for the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) and are dedicated to promoting public awareness of standards and professionalism in the food industry. The VCFHA sincerely looks forward to your interaction and participation at The Salon Culinaire 2013. Come and join us in achieving our mission of promoting our industry as a great profession. Email admin@vanuatuchefs.com for entry form and guidelines. Call +678 5571671 (Sarah Kymbrekos, President) . Visit www.vanuatuchefs.com

Local Industry

Website newcomer Bellevue Equestrian School & Recreational Park

Bellevue Equestrian School & Recreational Park is proudly owned and managed by local Ni-Vanuatu Mr Tom Nangam from the island of Tanna. Mr Nangam is a qualified horse trainer and operator, trained in Australia and has over 30 years experience in the field. For more information or to book call the school and recreational park on +678 77 70442.

Bridge Club Vanuatu a success in Fukuoka Media release: On Tuesday 23 July 2013, the Bridge Club Vanuatu delegation returned, they were welcomed by friends and families at the International Airport. After a week in Japan, the team is ready to tell their success stories to the schools in Port Vila. Here are some of their stories: Patrick said it was his first time to travel overseas, he was nervous but he enjoyed watching movies and playing games during the flight. Melanie enjoyed her time at the Marine House Camp as she made new friends and learned flower arrangement and did Japanese calligraphy and drawings. Aden was excited to meet his Japanese host family as they were kind, he enjoyed visiting the museum and cooking Japanese meals. Delyse told how the huge crowd cheered during their cultural performance, she was scared on stage but was happy that they did their best for Vanuatu. Mrs Marie said as a Chaperon her duty was to supervise the children at all times but most importantly she learnt that Japanese are very timely and prompt. Ms Julie said this year there will be a new Common Activity and Common Theme, therefore she encourages all schools to participate to ensure they get selected to go in 2014. Mr Pierre said children to become global leaders must first have respect and understand life in Vanuatu.

NZ Numbers to Vanuatu shows strong growth By NZ Statistics Department: July 2013 Stats have just been released for NZ Residents travelling to Vanuatu showing once again this month fantastic growth to the destination. Vanuatu has now experienced 5 months of solid growth in the NZ Market compared to 2012; March 15.4%, April 17.2%, May 132.5%, June 28% and now July 32.5%. Comparing results Year to Date Vanuatu has shown the most growth over a 12 month period in comparison to other South Pacific Destinations with an amazing 34.2%, the next closest destination was Tonga with 5.5% growth. It is proving to be a record year for Vanuatu from the NZ market which has to be a direct result from more campaigns being in the market over the past 2 years being funded by the VTO. It is a proven fact that when Vanuatu is in campaign in NZ the sales are made but when it isn’t then the business just doesn’t happen. This is due to Vanuatu still being considered an emerging destination in the South Pacific that needs constant promotion in order to be considered as a holiday option for Kiwi travelers.

Local Industry

Air Vanuatu returning soon after C-Check 22 August 2013 : Air Vanuatu’s Boeing 737-800 is expected to return on schedule from its C-Check in Singapore, CEO Joseph Laloyer has announced. 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. “The replacement aircraft is a smaller configuration than ours and as such we have been forced to reduce our payload (weight) capacity on our longer flights to Sydney and Melbourne,” Mr. Laloyer said. A full risk assessment of the New Zealand registered aircraft was completed and meets all regulatory approvals from Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia, Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand and Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu. “There has been no change to the inflight service, with Air Vanuatu’s well regarded Cabin Crew continuing to look after our passengers,” Mr. Laloyer said. During the maintenance period, the flights are being operated under the NF banner, with Air New Zealand as a code share partner, whilst the Qantas code-share agreement is temporarily on hold. “Once our aircraft returns to service – which we now expect to be early September rather than mid September, we will resume operating services under our existing codeshare agreement with Qantas. “Until that time, we do apologise if any of our passengers have been inconvenienced by this necessary check of our aircraft and we do look forward to returning to our usual high level of service and comfort with our flagship aircraft,” Mr. Laloyer said. Media inquiries: Tiffany Carroll Tel +678 7747153.

Santo Bed and Breakfast Santo Bed and Breakfast owned and managed by a pioneer in Ni-Vanuatu indigenous tourism business , Father Luke Dini and his wife Rhona, offers friendly, Melanesian-style hospitality. Santo B&B consists of 4 spotlessly clean rooms with both double and single bed configurations. Bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared. A cooked breakfast is included in the room rate and is served on a covered deck with fabulous views over Luganville town and the bay. 1 Single room- Vt 2.500p.p/include Breakfast. 3 Double room-Vt 3.500p.p/include Breakfast. Santo B&B is situated in the heart of Luganville, on Espiritu Santo, and is only five minutes walk to the main street, shops and restaurants, 10 minutes drive from Pekoa Airport. For more information, contact Fr. Luke Dini on mobile +678 77 45770 or +678 59 86175. Email: luronfoundation@gmail.com

Pro NBA basketballer, Jared Jeffries returns to fish Vanuatu with Ocean Blue! Ocean Blue Fishing News & updates: Pro NBA basketballer, Jared Jeffries recently returned to fish Vanuatu with Ocean Blue. Jared had a great trip popping and jigging with us up in the islands June 2012, and this time he returned with a film crew to capture all the action. When not playing in the NBA, fishing the world is Jared’s passion & he’s now taken it to the next level, starring in his new extreme fishing tv show during his off season – so this trip has been 12 months of anticipation.

Real Pasifik goes to air in September

TV series Real Pasifik will be shown in NZ next month on Saturday 7 September at 4pm and the Vanuatu episode plays out on Saturday 21 st September. So far, the Vanuatu episode proves to be very exciting and has impressed the network and Zoomslide’s international distributors. The VTO acknowledges Chef Oliver Robert, Heather Lee, both your teams, including participants in the program from the food and hospitality industry here, thank you everyone for all your efforts put into presenting Vanuatu’s cuisine beautifully.

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!!!

Trade & Media

EVENTS & festivals

EVENTS & festivals

Public Invitation Come along and join in the parade tomorrow morning.

Assemble at Moorings Car Park, 10am. Lukim yu!

EVENTS & festivals

The refreshingly unaffected environment and people of Vanuatu create an unforgettable holiday. It’s a magical ancient culture blessed with everything from deserted sandy beaches to active volcanoes. Both relaxation and adventure are just hours away.

The land time forgot. And you’ll never forget.

Saturday 21st September 2013 – Vanuatu Trail Athlon!!

The count down has started for the Vanuatu Trail Athlon 2013! With now less than a month before the 3rd edition of this physical event, the organizer is happy to reveal the competitors programme: 3,3Km of swimming - 3 rounds from the Port-Vila seafront to the rock located within Fatumaru Bay. 100Km of cycling - from BRED bank gym club to the Wahoo Bar located in Havannah Bay, by the round the island road. 23Km of running - from the Wahoo Bar to the Beach Bar located in Mele Bay, continuing by the round the island road and bush tracks. This unique sport event is open to individuals and teams. The public is invited to cheer-up the contestants on Saturday 21st September 2013. For further information and registration, email Didier Maucotel: mauco@vanuatu.com.vu

EVENTS & festivals