As of today, all the available hotel rooms in Tongatapu have been booked to accommodate guests who will be attending the celebrations of HM King George V's Coronation in August.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Tourism Edgar Cocker a member of a Sub Committee responsible for accommodations confirmed this afternoon that they have block booked all the available rooms, hotels, motels, guesthouses and resorts which have a total of 513 rooms

"We are seriously looking at the possibility of acquiring a cruise ship to anchor at the Nuku'alofa harbour, and to provide accommodation for guests during the coronation celebration," said Edgar who was still unsure of how they are going to get a cruise ship to anchor at Nuku'alofa as a floating hotel, and whether any ships are available.

A number of royalties are expected to attend the coronation celebration, including the Imperial Highnesses of Japan, some members of the English Royal Family, and members of the royal families of Norway, the Netherlands, Monaco, Thailand and Bhutan.

It has been confirmed from the Palace Office that to date only the Duke and the Duchess of Gloucester from the English Royal Family have confirmed their attendance.

Edgar said that the block-booking for the coronation would not affect those who are coming for the Heilala Festival because the bookings are only made for a certain period and there would be rooms available for other guests.

The coronation celebrations will run from July 30 to August 3. The Heilala Festival and other sporting activities will take place prior to the coronation.