 News sources JAM Consultancy, and Len Garae, Vanuatu Daily: President of Shefa Province Lami Sope launched Shefa’s Tourist Brochure and the Shefa Tourism Council was present to celebrate the achievement on 4th March 2010. Thanks to SG Michel Kalworai who worked tirelessly to initiate the vision of the council before he was elevated to where he is today, Max Aru who is seconded by the Government to help promote the sector and all other prominent in the tourism industry who have contributed in one way or another to finally realise the dream for Shefa Province. Those attended include SHEFA Tourism president, Mr. Dick David, Max Aru, Shefa Tourism Development office, Adela Aru, Senior Product Development Officer, Michel Kalworai, Secretary General of SHEFA province, JAM Consulting, and Ashok Kumar from Colorite Graphic printers + other media firms and invited guests. |
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Read more... [Well done Shefa Tourism Council]
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 Media Release, March 03, 2010: Vanuatu is emerging as a popular destination for small to midsized meetings and a surge in both business and leisure travel throughout 2009 has fuelled a boom in new accommodation and tour operators. In a challenging economic climate, Vanuatu’s competitive airfares, accessible locale and stable political environment has resonated well with businesses. “All of Vanuatu’s major resorts reported increases in their group business during 2009 servicing companies opting for closer meetings with smaller numbers,” said Georgia Ditton marketing manager of Vanuatu Tourism Office in Australia. |
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Read more... [Meeting and incentive options grow in Vanuatu]
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 Media: Air Vanuatu is bringing back their local special to include a 50kg baggage allowance on any return fare to Australia during Easter. The national carrier is also extending their early bird special, to ensure the Air Vanuatu is not only the best way to fly to Australia, but also the cheapest. “We have been making price comparisons and found by the time you pay for the services on the competition that are free on Air Vanuatu, you are much better off flying with us,” Acting Chief Executive Officer Joseph Laloyer said. “Vanuatu is well aware of foreign owned airlines and their ‘low cost carrier’ models now, however it is the hidden fees and charges that tend to have a sting in the tail.” Mr. Laloyer said Air Vanuatu’s policy of complimentary meals and fair baggage policy meant that passengers were already in front by choosing to fly the national carrier.
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Read more... [Back by popular demand: 50kg baggage allowance for Easter]
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 An elegant and high quality cruise boat, The Fred. Olsen Balmoral, weighing 45,000 tonnes and carrying 1300 senior passengers, with 600 crew members, arrived in Port Vila this week. The Balmoral is sister ship to Black Watch, Black Prince & Braemar, and the Boudicca which altogether form the Fred. Olsen Cruise Line fleet, originating from the UK. The Fred. Olsen offers 5 different types of cruise holiday experiences. Around warmer months, the Fred. Olsen Cruises takes its route on Med cruises, Canary Island cruises, Scandinavia cruises and Baltic, and Fjords cruises. In winter, Fred. Olsen sails from the UK, down to the Caribbean, South America, and through the Pacific islands. Before reaching Vanuatu, the Balmoral visited Hawaii, Western Samoa, Fiji, and New Caledonia.
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 Clare Sketcher and her family came to Vanuatu for a Christmas holiday break, and were smitten by how idyllic, unhurried, and intriguing their home island for Christmas and New Years, Aniwa, and its community turned out. In her words, Clare finds the real Vanuatu down south, and writes about the unforgettable experiences of a tropical escapade. Making new friends on the island, caused some difficulty during departure. Read Clare’s story here.
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 Media Release, 3rd February 2010: Air Vanuatu has announced their new cutting edge website has been launched at www.airvanuatu.com . The new website, managed by the same company who provides web services to other airlines including Jetstar, is a significant improvement on the previous site. “Our old website was tired and overdue for an update. We had received reports it was difficult to navigate and in many cases, impossible to book on,” Acting CEO Joseph Laloyer said. The new website is a significant investment for the airline, coming with a price tag of around $40,000. “The necessary expenditure will move Air Vanuatu forward, with a predicted increase in internet traffic, leading to more bookings on the World Wide Web,” Mr. Laloyer said. |
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Read more... [Air Vanuatu launches new website]
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Press release by VIBTA 2009: Infront of tourism government officials and the 6 Presidents of the Provincial Tourism Associations, Mr.David Dick as President of the Shefa Tourism Association was nominated and elected as the new President of VIBTA at the Sanma Women’s Centre, Luganville, Santo. Mr. Kelson Hosea as representative for the East Tanna Tourism Association was also elected as the Vice President of VIBTA. The Department of Tourism has as of November 2008 reestablished the one time called ‘Vanuatu Island Bungalow Association’ but now known as the ‘Vanuatu Island Bungalow & Tourism Association (VIBTA). With funding support from the European Union, VIBTA was born. |
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Read more... [Vanuatu Island Bungalow & Tourism Association (VIBTA) has New President and launches first Constitution]
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 Gallery blong Vanuatu and Café des Arts (Port Vila) is a 100% locally ni-vanuatu owned and managed mini art gallery, by Reynold Lowonbu of north Ambrym. The art gallery is located in the former Tropic Bistrot Restaurant premises next to ASCO Motors, along the main road nearby The Melanesian Hotel. The gallery has been operating since the 15th September of this year, displaying paintings, carvings, masks, carvings and other authentic artefacts from islands throughout Vanuatu, but especially from Mr Lowonbu’s home island Ambrym. |
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Read more... [Gallery Blong Vanuatu and Café des Arts (Port Vila)]
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 The Hospitality Tourism Leisure Training Centre has been able to send eight students and two trainers on an educational tour of the Auckland University Technology in New Zealand. Their eight day tour will see them sitting in various classes that are related to their studies here in Port Vila. It will cover cross cultural communications and understanding, Travel Food and Beverage, Hotel Housekeeping and Cookery. At the International Air Port, the Manager and staff had an opportunity to meet the parents, and they all expressed their satisfaction at the thought of their Children getting this exposure. |
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Read more... [HTLTC sends students to Auckland University of Technology]
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 Media release, Vanuatu Tourism Awards committee: To All Tourism Operators and their Guests: Lights, camera, action........stars....stars.....stars....We are now ready to offer you tickets to the very prestigious ""Night of Stars" 5th Annual Tourism Awards gala event to be held at the Anchor Inn on Saturday 5th of December commencing from 7.00 pm. The evening will commence with champagne & canapés under a magical starlight marquee and then you will escorted to your table by way of red carpet.... watch out for the paparazzi to the themed dazzling "Night of Stars" arena (and a few surprises) where you will be stunned at the transformation and magnificence of our event venue. |
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Read more... [A night of Stars Saturday 5th December 2009]
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 On Wednesday 28th October, 2009, the son of the US Marine Corps whose name has been used to name Vanuatu’s international and domestic airport in Port Vila, visited the airport yesterday. Bill Bauer, the son of Harry Bauer arrived into the country yesterday on a journey by cruise ship around the Pacific retracting his father’s activities in the region. Bill was accompanied by his wife Juddy. While in Port Vila, Airports Vanuatu Limited Mr Bauer for the day, and gave him the opportunity to explore the historical connection between his father’s activities and the present day role of Bauerfield Airport in the national economy. Read more on the www.dailypost.vu.
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 From Lotus Day Spa, Wednesday 21st October: Dear Friends and Valued Clients, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who came to support the Grand Opening of the new Lotus Day Spa. It was a wonderful way to celebrate together and we look forward to seeing you all enjoy the new facilities and experience the fantastic range of products from La Gaia. We would like to invite you to come and discover the secrets of relaxation, well being and beauty in our premier luxury day spa. It is our aim with every visit to Lotus Day Spa that we give you, our treasured client the very best professional service and enjoyment. |
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Read more... [Thank you Letter from Lotus Day Spa]
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 ESTA update by Dave Cross, Monday 12th October: At the recent AGM of ESTA a new committee and executive was elected. The new committee is as follows: Chair - Dave Cross, Vice Chair - Mal Davies, Secretary - Mary-Jane Dinh, Treasurer - Timmy Ravu (with help from Natalie Ledington), Tim Vocor - Committee member, Luke Tokar - Committee member, Sally Tighe - Committee member, Anne Thode Committee member, Ben Healy - Committee member. Congratulations to everyone who attended – it was a great turn out and shows good support for ESTA and for Tok Tok 2010. The Vanuatu Tourism Office would like to congratulate the new ESTA committee and executive for their newly elected post, and we look forward to working closely with the association. |
 Volcanic Earth is now producing it’s very own Virgin Coconut Oil, all handmade, natural, raw and produced within one hour of opening the nut. The team has been working on the project for some months as part of Volcanic Earths assistant scheme to help financially empower the local Ni-Vanuatu communities. Through the Virgin Coconut Oil project, there are now remote families on Efate, supplying coconuts, drivers are being employed to deliver, and a team of young men proudly producing this beautiful oil for all Volcanic Earth customers. |
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Read more... [Volcanic Earth produces new Virgin Coconut Oil]
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 VTO Media Statement October 8 2009, 02.20pm: The tsunami warning issued jointly this morning by the the Vanuatu Meteorological Service and the Department of Geology and Mines has ceased and there is no current threat to Vanuatu. Conditions in Vanuatu are currently calm and the few Vanuatu offices and resorts moved to higher ground as a precautionary measure have returned. Annie Niatu, general manager of the Vanuatu Tourism Office says, “Although some resorts moved their guests to higher ground as a precaution, they have now returned and are enjoying a warm and sunny day here in Port Vila.” The warning came after a 7.8 magnitude was felt off the coast of Espiritu Santo at 9:03am this morning. |
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Read more... [Tsunami not a threat for Vanuatu]
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 Air Vanuatu media release 9th October: Air Vanuatu today accepted delivery of the new ATR 72-500 valued at US $ 20.5 million. The aircraft, configured with 68 seats and powered by PW 127M engines, will enable the airline to increase its domestic fleet passenger capacity and to respond to the traffic growth on regional routes. Acting Chief Executive Officer of Air Vanuatu, Joseph Laloyer said the ATR-72 was expected to arrive in Vila on Wednesday 14 October. |
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Read more... [Air Vanuatu takes delivery of new ATR-72 in France]
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 A newly renovated Pacific Café re-opened on Wednesday 29th September 2009, with a new owner and head chef Mr Eric Augst, who is originally from France. Formerly and solely an internet café, the small café outlet now serves English and French breakfast as well as a delicious lunch menu, topped off with 15 to 20 mins free internet access and a complimentary soft drink for customers. Pacific Café is located on the first floor in the Ex Ballande Centre opposite the Sebel Hotel and opens 7 days a week, from 7am to 4-5pm. |
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Read more... [Pacific Café opens for business]
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