Vava’u Tourist Association (VTA) sets sights on activity development for Vava’u ^Featured

“Over the years the VTA has been a driving force behind tourism in Vava’u, however in recent times, this has not been the case.”

“Our members have elected a strong Board this year. Our Board has a broad range of business experience and are very committed to living and working in Tonga.” said Mr Lui.

“Our first task has been to address some of the structural challenges that have hampered the operation of the Association in the past. For instance, we plan to move the Annual General Meeting from February to October / November, and this will mean it is held when most business people are in Vava’u at the end of the high season, rather than being held in the middle of the low season.

We will also update our communication procedures to better reflect the use of technology for both meetings and communications” said Mr Lui.

The VTA has a stated objective, “The Association has been formed for the purpose of promoting tourism in the Kingdom of Tonga and in particular Vava’u.”

The VTA Board has identified four key strategic issues that they believe need to be addressed in order to drive tourism forward.

1. Encourage Government to consider altering the current visitor visa entry time period from one (1) month to three (3) months.

2. Develop marketing methods that promote the all year round activities such as sports fishing, scuba diving and sailing.

3. Establish an artificial reef to make scuba diving more attractive in Vava’u.

4. Seek funding to improve the small boat marina so that cruise ships may embark and disembark passengers safely.

The current Visa requirements suit most visitors, however, cruising yachts will often move on instead of staying in Tonga. Cruisers generally have no time table and will stay in one location for months unless motivated to move. During their stay they spend money on local produce, cafe’s, bars, restaurants and activities.

Cruisers consume little by way of infrastructure however contribute additional income into the community as a whole. By encouraging cruisers to remain in Vava’u longer we will ensure more money is spent inside the Kingdom rather than have them sailing off to another country.

The Board believes people come to Vava’u to participate in very specific activities. It is the activity that causes them to choose Vava’u, whether it is swimming with whales, fishing for a blue marlin, diving in crystal clear waters or sailing around the many islands of Vava’u.

Our objective is to let potential visitors know what activities are available in Vava’u and encourage them to choose Vava’u as their holiday destination.

Wreck diving is a growing niche in the tourism sector. By establishing an artificial reef in both safe and accessible waters we will be able to attract scuba divers at all times of the year.

The current wharf situation for cruise ships is dangerous. Often visitors from cruise ships are retired people and less agile than they once were. At low tide they are required to climb the side of the wharf to get in or out of the tender. This is dangerous and certainly off putting to most. Some cruise ships bypass Vava’u for this very reason. A new floating facility would allow safer and more convenient access for all cruise ship visitors.

“Our new Board is up for the challenge; we are developing our plans and will soon commence implementing them. Together with our members and the support of the Ministry of Tourism, we believe we can make a difference and push tourism forward in Vava’u and Tonga in general” said Mr Lui.

Board of VTA.

Mr Lole Lui, President VTA . (Lui Charters, Whale Watching and Fishing) 

Mr Ian Jones, Vice President VTA . (Taste of Tonga)

Ms Beth Black, Secretary. (Mafana Island Resort)

Mrs Caryl Jones, Treasurer. (Accounting Services, Whalesong Charter, Whale Swim and Game Fishing)

Mr Shane Walker, Board Member. (The Moorings Sailing Charters)

Mrs Vanessa Jones, Board Member. (Vava’u Villa and Glamping, Coffee Plus)

Mrs Helen Walker, Board Member. (Tongan Beach Resort)

Mr Joe Caesar, Board Member. (The Boat Yard and Chandlery)

Further information can be provided by:
Mr Lole Lui, President VTA. (Lui Charters, Whale Watching and Fishing) +676 8461146
Mr Ian Jones, Vice President VTA. (Taste of Tonga, Vava’u Villa and Glamping, Coffee Plus) +676 8411099