With the hot summer nearly over, Tonga is starting its busy events season with church conferences, regional and national sports competitions, and meetings coming up.

First up on the Ministry of Tourism's calendar, is a Regional Meeting for Energy Transport Ministers on April 24-28 in Nuku'alofa.

This will be followed by Oceania Judo Championship 2017 on April 28-29.

The Annual Inter-College Athletics Competition is also set to be held later this month for three-days, at a venue to be confirmed, since the Teufaiva Stadium is under repair.

Church conferences

In May, local church conferences start with the Church of Tonga on May 8-12 , followed by the Free Church of Tonga on May 19-25 in Nuku’alofa.

Tonga’s Constitutional Church Conference will held in Vava'u on May 26-31. Also hosted in Vava'u is the 2017 World Arc Round the World Rally, from May 30 to June 2.

From June 27-July 4, is the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Annual Conference also in Vava’u. The King’s birthday will also be celebrated in Vava'u on 4 July. 

Meanwhile, the annual Heilala Festival is set for July 1-8 in Nuku’alofa, including the Miss Heilala Pageant.

Shows

The Annual Royal Agricultural Shows start in Vava’u on 7 July,  Niuatoputapu on 12 July, Niuafo’ou on 13 July, Ha’apai on 18 July, ‘Eua on 22 July.

The event concludes in Tongatapu on 29 July.

A Military Exercise hosted by the United States with HMAF is also scheduled to be held in Nuku'alofa on a date to be confirmed in July.

Other local events later in the year, include World Tonga Assembly of God’s Annual Conference on December 19-26.