Miss Heilala 2012-2013, Ebony Nuku

The 'Eva Mai Tonga Tourism Experience a promotional event showcasing what the Tongan tourism industry has to offer will run until March 5.

Saia Moehau the President of the Tonga Tourist Association said the event is aimed at showcasing to overseas travel agents and tour wholesalers what the Tongan tourism industy has to offer in the way of accommodation, tourism activities, products and services. They have operators from the USA and Australia attending.

"At the same time it brings to Nuku'alofa leaders of Tongan groups from the United States and Australia who exchange cash and manufactured goods with Tongan koloas to meet their local counterparts," said Saia. "The exchanges between some of these groups, in one year was valued at $1 million to a community." 

Saia said the event will help Tonga's Tourism Industry attract more visitors and give overseas travel agents confidence in Tonga as a tourist destination.

Local tourism businesses including an airline, travel agents, accommodation providers, island resorts, hotels and handicraft sellers, displayed their products and services at the wharf today.

The Eva Mai Tonga experience is an annual event that was first held in 2009.