Pacific dream holiday promoted in UK

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)in collaboration with its National Tourism partners from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tahiti and Vanuatu  for the first time in as many years came together to promote the South Pacific at the World Travel Mart in London.

Dubbed the leading global event for the travel industry, the World Travel Mart (WTM) which ended last Thursday was a vibrant four- day business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and International travel professionals.

Adopting a Pacific Village concept, participating Pacific island destinationsseized the unique  opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conduct their business with key industry partners from the United Kingdom and around the world.

The main attraction at the South Pacific Village was the entertainment by the touring Kadavu choir group who thrilled visitors with their symphony of Fijian melody and graceful 'meke' chants and dances, offering guests a glimpse of what a South Pacific Holiday is about.

The promotional effort was also boosted by visits from Papua New Guinea and Fiji's High Commissioners to the UK, and celebrity chef and Samoa Tourism Ambassador UK, Monica Galetti, whose interaction with visitors have helped re-affirm the region's commitment to making the South Pacific a 'must visit' destination.

The recent visit to the South Pacific by members of Britain's Royal Family also created interest amongst Brits who are known to have a very close affection to the monarch.

Through assistance from the European Union, the SPTO also staged its inaugural South Pacific Specialist Workshop in the UK on the fringes of the WTM and will used the opportunity to undertake destinational training with UK travels agents who are more positioned to sell the South Pacific.

Aside from UK tour operators, interest was also received from tour companies in India, China,Europe and the Arabian gulf who are keen explore the possibility of referring their clients to experience the many treasures of the South Pacific.

By Reginald Chandar