Tonga’s Cocker upbeat

A report in Islands Business says that despite the 2006 riots and travel advisory against the country, Tonga has somehow been able to maintain its “friendly isles” image.

Not only are the visitor arrivals increasing, investors’ confidence has also increased with more new hotels springing up around the country.

As tourism director, Edgar Cocker reveals that Tonga has been cashing in on the downturn of visitors to Samoa and Fiji.

“First, Tonga has a cooler weather than Fiji or Samoa. While, we in Tonga would find it cold, those coming from Australia and New Zealand will find it just the right temperature.”

“Tourists are preferring a new destination, so they are choosing lesser known places like Tonga.”

“Furthermore, the weakening of the ‘paanga’ (Tongan currency) has made Tonga a cheaper destination.”

“The high fuel cost has left many with less disposable income so to have a holiday, they are looking at cheaper places like Tonga,” Cocker says.

However, there’s been a lot of yachts visiting the country. These yachts are members of the Island Cruising Association in New Zealand and the United Kingdom-based World Cruising Club.

In addition, cruise ships are also visiting Tonga more often than before with the main attraction being whale watching.

Whale watching is a big business with operators currently charging 200-$225 paanga per trip.

Tonga’s proximity to Australia and New Zealand is also making it a preferred destination for cruise passengers who are unable to grab more than seven days away from work.

“This year, we will be trying to improve our global branding in terms of authenticity, history, art, culture, rest and relaxation and natural beauty.”

“We will do a lot of promotional activities, internet marketing, and intelligent investment in Australia and New Zealand, and also in the United States.”

“In the region, Fiji and Tahiti have done well in terms of global branding.”

Lack infrastructure: Cocker says Tonga would have to work harder on improving its infrastructures.

“We have the sites but we lack infrastructures such as fine dining and shopping which Fiji and Tahiti have.”

This year, Tonga is on target to welcome 100,000 visitors to its shore generating foreign receipts of around 84 million paanga.

“Although there is a travel advisory on Tonga, every tourist who arrive on our shores have literally enjoyed the hospitality, the history, the atmosphere, the friendly islanders, the rich marine resources, the natural beauty, the relaxation, and the authenticity of Tonga as a tourist attraction,” Cocker says.

Visitor arrivals last year totalled 70,000—a 16 percent increase over the previous year.

While Tonga’s major markets are New Zealand and Australia, the new emerging markets are from the short-haul destinations from Asia, particularly Korea, China and Japan.

“The European market does not seem to reflect any positive impact, however, we will continue to knock on their doors.

“The Chinese and Indian markets will grow in the near future and Tonga is gearing up for the growth in these two markets,” Cocker says.

Tonga is putting in more efforts and resources into tourism developments, including infrastructure upgrade, facelift of landmarks, historical sites and natural sites.

“There are more accommodation and tourists related facilities that are being developed and refurbished.  New hotels are under construction which are mainly from local investors seeing the potential in tourism.”

Two hotels are expected to be opened by the end of the month—both offering a total capacity of 46 rooms which is being blockbooked the King of Tonga’s coronation.

“Tonga is the same as its neighbouring Pacific Islands Countries, however, our uniqueness lies in the fact that tourism is in its developmental stage (as an opportunity), it is the only surviving monarchy in the Pacific, Sunday is a Sabbath and a holy day, it is rich in history, arts and crafts, it is believed to be one of the oldest settlements (by Lapita development), and rich in agricultural and marine development. It has its own pristine fora and fauna.

“Tonga is another place to visit and you will never regret the decision to do so,” Cocker  adds.

Meanwhile, most of this year’s tourists are expected to arrive in Tonga for the coronation of King Siaosi Tupou V on the 1st of next month.

“This is an opportunity to promote ourselves not only as a holiday destination but also as an investment opportunity,” Cocker says.

A Report by The Mole from Islands Business