Enormous benefits from the 1st August 2008 Coronation of His Majesty King George Tupou V will flow to every part of the Kingdom, according to the Prime Minister, Hon Dr. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele.

The Hon Prime Minister said that the Coronation will be another memorable milestone in Tonga's long and proud history. "It is part of our life and who we are. It will be a joyous celebration of culture, custom and kinship in the only Polynesian Kingdom," he said.

"There will be a renewal of our sense of nationhood and the togetherness which defines Tonga. The country's image will be taken to the world," the Hon Prime Minister said.

"We will unite as Tongans for the formal accession to the throne of a Monarch who is committed to modernisation and change, while preserving the essential qualities of our Tongan identity and values."

The Hon Prime Minister stressed that the Coronation will give the economy a significant boost which will more than cover the TOP$5 million cost budgeted by the Government. "Our forecast at present is that the monetary value to the country from the Coronation is conservatively TOP$10 million. This will bring benefits to all sectors of the community."

The Hon Prime Minister said that during the Coronation period, Tonga will host possibly between 4000 and 5000 visitors, the largest number ever to be in the Kingdom at the same time.

"They will inject money directly into the economy, through purchase of goods and services, such as handicrafts, transport, utilities, food, and entertainment and contributions to families.

"Tongans living overseas will comprise the biggest section of the visitor influx. They will spend significantly while they are here; a large proportion of their expenditure will be of direct assistance to their local relatives."

The Hon Prime Minister confirmed that to meet demand, Air Pacific and Air New Zealand, and Pacific Blue are providing extra flights and thus more seats.

"We have a major challenge in providing accommodation for the thousands of people who wish to attend the Coronation," he said. "Every hotel, resort and guest house on Tongatapu is booked out and there will be associated sales of tourism accommodation in other parts of the Kingdom. Many people are also volunteering to help by making their homes available to house guests."

"Tourism has been growing strongly recently and we expect the Coronation to create extra momentum for expansion. It will create another increase to our annual tourist arrival figures and room occupancy rates."

"World-wide media coverage of the event will lift the Kingdom's image and profile in many of our key markets. The value of such publicity in building positive awareness of the Kingdom and attracting new visitors is huge; it is worth many, many millions of dollars."

The Hon Prime Minister said the Government expects the Coronation to generate additional investment in tourism facilities and in other commercial sectors. This in turn means extra jobs and income opportunities for Tongans.

He said additional income would come from the sale of Coronation mementoes and returns from exclusive media rights. This would be used to support charities and other worthy causes determined by the Charities Support Committee.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, a Coronation for the people that will usher in a new era for Tonga," the Hon Prime Minister said.

"It is a co-operative effort in the Tongan way. Many willing volunteers are joining with the Monarchy and the Government to ensure that August 1st, and the traditional installation ceremony, the Taumafa Kava, that precedes it, are observed in a manner fully consistent with custom and tradition and the hopes and expectations of the country." PM Office, 02/06/08.