With the return of the Heilala Festival, among other celebrations, after the COVID-19 border closure, visitors and Tongans from abroad have flocked to the country.

Particularly busy is Air New Zealand which operates six flights a week to Tonga, but the airline is not planning to add additional flights at this stage.

A spokesperson from the airline told Matangi Tonga today that their flights in and out of Tonga next week are almost full, as the school holiday period begins, however, there are still some seats available.

"As always, we recommend people planning to travel in these busy holiday periods to book as early as possible.

“Tonga is a key destination both for Air New Zealand and our customers and we recognise the importance of providing good connectivity and regular services between New Zealand and Tonga.”

King's Birthday

Meanwhile, the capital is buzzing with visitors and tourists. This week was the start of the Heilala Festival and the King's official birthday celebrations, but also the return of the Free Wesleyan Church's Annual Conference. 

From 3-7 July the popular Miss Heilala Pageant competiton will hold a series of events. There will be a public holiday for the King's official birthday celebrations on Tuesday July 4.

Also next week is Tonga High School's Diamond Jubilee and the Tonga Rugby Union's centennial celebrations.

Then from 9-14 July is the colourful Miss Galaxy Queen Pageant 2023, marking its 30^th anniversary.