May 2009

The Travel Bug - Issue 51

South Pacific Tourism Thrived in 2008

Despite incredibly high oil prices and the onset of the global economic crisis, South Pacific tourism set another record in 2008. Visitors increased by 3% to surpass 1.36 million. This follows increases of 4% in 2007 and 3% in 2006. South Pacific Islands bucked regional trends. The greater Pacific region, which also includes Hawaii, Guam/Saipan, Australia and New Zealand, experienced a -4.6% decline in 2008 as noted by the Pacific Asia Travel Association. south-pacific.travel Chief Executive Tony Everitt said, "Once again our sector demonstrates its resilience."

Pango Green Motel to Open

In a few months time, a new development located just before the Pango French School and Tree Top Lodge, will open for tourist travellers. The proud owner and manager Mr Philip Coulon, a Ni-Vanuatu, says that Pango Green Motel has 10 units in total, 5 ground floor units and 5 upstairs with a direct view of the ocean. The studios will be self contained, have bathroom & toilet ensuite, ceiling fans with private balcony, room allocations of twin singles and double beds, and will be facilitated with hot and cold showers, fridge and laundry services for guests convenience. There will be a guest relations officer to look after guests and answer to their enquiry, a reception telephone, and daily room services available.

Air Vanuatu Early Bird Airfares

Air Vanuatu has announced their own stimulus package by extending their popular EARLY BIRD fares to Vanuatu. “With news of the economic downturn hitting Australia and competition on long-haul routes to America and Europe tempting travelers to the Northern Hemisphere, we still think the smart option for an affordable holiday this year is Vanuatu,” Air Vanuatu’s Australian manager, Malcolm Pryor said.

Being so close to Australia, Vanuatu is well placed to capitalise on the credit crisis by offering short holidays for hard working Australians. “Short breaks to destinations such as America and Europe are not attractive – they are simply too far away. We are offering return flights for around 50,000vt; at this price and at just three hours away, there is no better destination for Australians to holiday.” Mr. Pryor said Air Vanuatu would shortly commence a massive campaign with a leading Australian wholesaler to market affordable holidays to Vanuatu. “Now is not the time to back away from promoting ourselves. Air Vanuatu is proud to be a destination marketer and we are confident of filling planes from Australia this year.”

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