Locally produced handicrafts were showcased at the Las Vegas Rugby Sevens competition two weeks ago, February 13–15 in a promotion organised by the Tongan Handicrafts and Cultural Tourism Support Programme (HCTSP).

The handicrafts were displayed in a stall within the premises of the Sam Boyd Stadium where the Rugby Seven’s event was held. Handicrafts varied from tapa, fans, necklaces, carvings.

The goal was to market Tongan products. According to the HCTSP National Coordinator, Monalisa Palu “I saw the potential of this from previous years and thought it should be tried. We included it in our work plan. The USA Sevens was great because you had all these people happy to watch a game, many of them Pacific Islanders who walk by and see a booth with authentic Tongan products. It really instils pride and is good promotion for Tonga as a country and not just handicrafts,”

The Las Vegas Sevens is an annual international competition that attracts about 70,000 spectators. Many Tongans living in the United States attended the event despite Tonga not qualifying for the competition. Monalisa hailed the promotion as a success.

She said, “People are wary of new ideas but we are thankful to our friends and relatives who supported this pioneer move. Others will try it later maybe but the first step is important and it was successful,”

Monalisa believes there is potential for Tonga handicrafts to find a market in the United States.

She stated “New Zealand and Australia are what we know predominantly as our markets but the US is massive and the potential for promotion of our products there can strengthen cultural ties, promote Tonga as a destination and possibly establish new trade opportunities,”

We cannot know the opportunities and challenges unless we try and this was the first time. People think of rugby games and the competition. I saw an arena full of people who know a little of the Pacific and could know more. It was basically self-funded by participants”

The Tonga Handicrafts and Cultural Tourism Support Programme aims to enhance the Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities for Handicrafts and Cultural Tourism Experience providers.