The 2007 Vava'u Festival will kick off on January 26 with a Triathlon in the morning, and a display of Culture and Art in Neiafu during the rest of the day.

Fishing competitions will be held over the four remaining days of the festival, from Jan 27 to 31.

The festival this year is financially well-supported by the Ministry of Tourism, which has pledged $20,000 to the Vava'u Tourist Association who are organizing the events.

The Minister for Tourism, Hon. Fineasi Funake and the Prime Miniser, Dr Feleti Sevele are scheduled to be in Vava'u for the opening of the festival.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Le Strange, an organizer of the Tuna Fest to be held in Vava'u from January 25 to February 1, said that the big Yellow Fin had arrived just in time for Christmas.

"On Saturday December 23 several big yellow fin were caught around the MID FAD area, and there are acres of small skip jack. Looks like being a great season," he said.