VTO: The
Vanuatu Tourism Office today announced that the ANZ Bank Vanuatu would play
a lead role in Vanuatu’s tourism future by again partnering as the Major
Sponsor to the 2006 TOK TOK event.
The TOK TOK is an opportunity for the majority of
Vanuatu tourism operators to meet with key wholesalers from our primary
markets of Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand, as well as opportunity
for longer haul markets such as Japan, Europe and America. There is
considerable benefit to the visiting wholesalers to be able to meet the
large number of Vanuatu tourism operators in only two days of the event.
This year 27 of the participating wholesalers will also travel
to experience the tourism regions of Tanna, Espiritu Santo & Malekula.
Last year, following a new format of one on one
appointments, over 1200 meetings were held between visiting wholesalers and
the local tourism providers.
As a result, in the last two years there has been
a significant increase in the number of wholesalers promoting Vanuatu around
the world, due in part to the trade shows Vanuatu Tourism Office is
attending and the growth of Vanuatu’s own TOK TOK event. This greater
exposure in the market place has led to and increased interest in Airline,
tour product and accommodation bookings and a growing level of investment in
the tourism sector.
This is the third year running that ANZ have
committed to the role of Major Sponsor and the General Manager of the VTO,
Mrs. Kalpoi, explained the impact such sponsorship has on the development of
tourism in Vanuatu.
“The ability to secure sponsorship funding such as
this allows us to present an event equal to the Bula Fiji show in Fiji which
represents all of the Pacific and comparable to trade shows in Australia and
New Zealand. This is important
because we can bring the wholesalers here and show them Vanuatu
first hand whilst also showcasing the skills we have to deliver such events
in Vanuatu”
because we can bring the wholesalers here and show them Vanuatu
first hand whilst also showcasing the skills we have to deliver such events
in Vanuatu”
Mrs. Kalpoi added that, “In this case ANZ Vanuatu
and our other sponsors can be proud that they are supporting an event which
directly increases the confidence of the key organizations that promote and
sell tourism product to consumers in our many market sources.”
The TOK TOK event is being held at Snorkelers
Cove, Iririki Island Resort and Spa on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th of
October.
The official opening will be presided over by the
Minister of Commerce and Trade, Hon, James Bule and the Managing Director of
ANZ Vanuatu, Mr. Mike Flower.
Media Enquiries: Linda Kalpoi Vanuatu Tourism Office:
+678 22515