Tonga Tourism Inc. names national executive [1]
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 18:23. Updated on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 16:47.
A new national tourism body, the Tourism Tonga Inc. was incorporated in Nuku'alofa at the beginning of January.
In a statement today, the executive of the national tourism body said that they have the backing of government and the support of the tourism industry.
Executive members were elected from throughout Tonga, including the Niuas.
The executives are:
Tongatapu - Sue Gardiner. President (Forum Travel/Air New Zealand); Liz Sullivan, Treasurer (Billfish Bar); David Hunt, (Sailing Tonga/Super Yacht Services). Ha'apai - Boris Stavenow (Sandy Beach Resort); Sally Hartwell (Matafonua Resort). Vava'u - Paul Stone Secretary (Dive Vava'u); Lolesio Lui (Endangered Encounters); Allan Bowe (Mounu Island Resort/Whale Watch Vava'u). 'Eua - Taki Hausia (Hideaway Resort). Niua's - Ana Emberson (Niua's Tourist Association).
Sue Gardiner explained that the main working agenda of the organization is, "to work closely with government on any legislation relating to tourism, and to liaise with overseas wholesale tour operators and airlines, and to attract more tourists to come to Tonga."
Sue said that with regards to the hosting of festivals, fishing tournaments and other tourist activities, they would leave them to local organizations such as the Vava'u Tourist Association.
She said that TTI had contracted an interim executive officer, and they would set up an office at the Tonga Chamber of Commerce.
The first big projects for TTI is conduct a survey on visitors to Tonga, and to set up a web site. Sue said they had applied for funding from NZAID, and they were optimistic for a positive response within a month.