Tourism plays a crucial role in Tonga's economy, contributing over TOP18 million to the GDP in 2022 and is projected to increase to TOP88 million by 2033. However, the industry has encountered significant challenges, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently because of the volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022. The nation is committed to rejuvenating its tourism sector, as outlined in the new Tonga Tourism Roadmap for 2025-2030, reports the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU).
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Results for tourism
Wednesday 19 March 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
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Wednesday 19 February 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
MS Queen Anne Cruise Ship docked at Vuna Wharf in Nuku’alofa today, with 3,811 people on board.
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Tuesday 5 November 2024
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tongan culture, friendly locals, natural sites and plentiful BBQ, were listed among the “most appealing aspects” of Tonga in a survey of international visitors released by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) this week. But the least appealing for visitors is fierce dogs and the littering.
Friday 5 July 2024
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The twelve Miss Heilala contestants showcased their singing and dancing skills in last night’s talent quest, ranging from hulas to contemporary dances at the Heilala Village in Nuku’alofa on 4 July 2024.
Wednesday 26 June 2024
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Contestants for the Miss Heilala 2024 crown, made their first public appearance this afternoon, 26 June, at the Heilala Village in Nuku'alofa.
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Tuesday 25 June 2024
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Malia Lolini Sime won the Heilala 2024 Best Chef competition, with her seafood dish a Fish Curry along with a twist on the classic Tongan dessert, a Faikakai Lesi (Pawpaw) on the second day of the Heilala Festival, 25 June in Nuku'alofa.
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Monday 24 June 2024
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Heilala festivities opened this morning with the judging of a Best Floral Arrangement competition at Heilala Village in Nuku’alofa, where nine contestants presented a colourful array of floral creations. The winner was Mele Molini Fainga'a.
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Wednesday 19 June 2024
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Twelve contestants aged between 18 and 26 years are vying for the Miss Heilala crown this year. Registrations closed last week and the official photos of the contestants were released, ahead of their first public appearance on 26 June at the Heilala Village in Nuku’alofa.
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Thursday 15 February 2024
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tourists from the Ambience Cruise Ship crowded the Nuku'alofa central business district (CBD), with some of them in search of cold beers, today, 15 February 2024.
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Wednesday 31 January 2024
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tourists were spotted cycling around the CBD and coastal shorelines of Nuku’alofa on rented bicycles, after the Europa 2, the second cruise ship to Tongatapu for this year, docked at Vuna Wharf.
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Thursday 21 December 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The last cruise ship for the Port of Nuku'alofa for 2023, the SV AIDAsol docked at Vuna Wharf, at 8:00am this morning, after departing Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
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Friday 8 December 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tongan creative artist and handicraft maker, Lu'isa Nau, is determined to utilize locally sourced materials, to maintain the authenticity of Tongan craftsmanship, while expressing dismay over the imported counterfeits that local artisans have to compete within the marketplace. Her home-based creative operation in Nuku'alofa was recently awarded at GGGI Grant for her business plan that aligns with sustainable development goals.
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Thursday 6 July 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga’s traditional dances and costumes were on show at the Miss Heilala Tau‘olunga competition on Wednesday night, 5 July, at the Sir Sofele Kakala Hall, in Ma’ufanga.
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Friday 30 June 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
With the return of the Heilala Festival, among other celebrations especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors and Tongans from abroad have flocked to the country.
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Wednesday 28 June 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tanaki Helu won the Best Chef of the Year contest, when he wowed judges with his main course, a honey glazed fish dish, during the second day of the Heilala Festival, in Nuku'alofa on 27 June.
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Wednesday 14 June 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga will be among 155 countries and regions confirmed to participate at the 2025 Osaka World Expo.
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Thursday 25 May 2023
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Drums were beating at the Liku'alofa Resort-Tofoa yesterday, 24 May, and kava flowed in a welcome for the first yacht rally to visit Tonga since the borders opened post-covid.
Wednesday 3 May 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Heilala Festival 2023 including the popular Miss Heilala Pageant returns in Nuku'alofa from 26 June to 7 July, after a three-years hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Friday 14 April 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The cruise ship, Celebrity Eclipse, visited Nuku'alofa for a day, arriving with more than 3000 passengers and crew on 14 April.
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Monday 13 February 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
With 2023 the year of revival, the local tourism industry that was hit hard with the closure of Tonga's international borders in 2020 has 18 cruise ships listed to visit.
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