By Eleanor Gee

It was busy at the Nuku'alofa waterfront today as hundreds of travellers left on the domestic ferries for the outer islands of Ha’apai and Vava’u for the holidays.

It was the last sailing of the MV 'Otuanga’ofa inter-island ferry this evening to Ha’apai and Vava’u before Christmas, as shown on the Friendly Islands Shipping Agency schedule.

The MV 'Otuanga’ofa will stop at Nomuka, Ha’afeva, Pangai, Vava’u and return to Nuku’alofa on December 23.

One passenger, Leaola Langi is heading to Ha’afeva with her children.

“We are happy that we are going to spend Christmas with my parents and return to Nuku’alofa in the New Year,” she told Matangi Tonga.

Another passenger, 'Ametisi Tupou said she and her son are going to Fotua in Ha’apai to spend the holidays with family.

“We will spend Christmas, New Year's, and the Prayer Week there and return to Tongatapu in time for school.”

Meanwhile, other domestic ferry operators are also busy servicing the outer island routes from the Taufa'ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf on Hala Vuna in Nuku'alofa.

Tonga Government's public services closed down for their annual Christmas holiday, for two-weeks from today December 20, 2021 to resume on Monday January 3, 2022. After public servants resume on January 3, they will finish early at 4:00pm daily, during that week, for the annual Uike Lotu (Prayer Week of the New Year).