Beachcomber Issue 39

SOUTH PACIFIC TOURISM NUMBERS BOUNCE, REBOUND AND CORRECT

Many South Pacific countries have enjoyed what is now known as ‘revenge travel’ since international borders reopened after the pandemic.

Revenge travel is about payback and taking a trip that was lost or delayed or simply escaping after lockdown.

Fiji, as expected thanks to a slick marketing campaign by their national tourism office, Tourism Fiji, prior to reopening led the charge, with arrival numbers breaking all recent records.

Hotels and resorts were booked out and flight prices began to surge, resulting in Fiji having an enormous 2022 and 2023.

This year the peak periods continue to be busy but as hotel capacity grows with the opening of new and refurbished resorts, a correction is expected during the low and shoulder seasons according to some industry members.

In Solomon Islands, new figures showed the destination attracted more than 26,000 visitors in 2023.

The result had been largely helped by the influx of international athletes and spectators attending the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara last November, Tourism Solomons acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke said.

He was also optimistic of a stronger 2024 result given recent developments on the Australia-Solomon Islands flight sector. This includes Solomon Airlines’ increasing capacity between Honiara and Brisbane, and the resumption of Brisbane-Honiara Qantas flights.

In Vanuatu, tourism numbers appeared to return to pre-pandemic levels during peak seasons but the archipelago was still suffering from the twin cyclones of early 2023, for much of the year.

Add to that reduced hotel room capacity, a lack of targeted destination marketing and interrupted flight schedules, official tourism numbers have not yet been released, but they are expected to be down on pre-pandemic levels.

In Samoa, arrival numbers have steadily grown since their border re-opened, with the economic recovery period now expected to be three years, down from the predicted five at the end of the pandemic.

Tonga’s renewed investment in tourism is also expected to see a boost in the economy. Tourism has strong potential for growth through the re-establishment of the Tonga Tourism Authority, a new domestic airline and a revival of international tourists seeking a laid back vacation – or to experience Tonga’s biggest tourist draw card – swimming with whales.

A new luxury spa is coming to Honiara

ZONING OUT IN THE CAPITAL

Honiara’s Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, once the site of the Governor’s residence is about to launch a stunning new experience for guests and visitors.

A world-class spa, Zen Zone will open at the Heritage Park and promises to be something unmatched in Solomon Islands.

With a serene space, qualified beauty therapists and a spa menu fit for a governor, the Zen Zone will ensure your visit to Honiara is a restful one.

The Heritage Park is the preferred hotel for business travellers and the new spa will be a welcomed relief for the weary traveller.

Follow them on Instagram to keep up to date with opening times and specials.

Between May and October every year, something really special happens in the Yasawa islands of Fiji.

A truly bucket list experience for some – including our editor, manta rays flock towards these pristine islands to feed and you have the chance to swim with them, thanks to South Sea Cruises.

The Yasawa islands are home to stunning resorts and beaches and are considerably less visited than the main islands in Fiji.

If you happen to be staying on the mainland, or in the Mamanuca islands, you can join a day trip to see these majestic creatures.

The journey starts at Port Denarau, where you board a South Sea Cruises high-speed catamaran bound for the Yasawa Islands. Cruising through the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, guests can hop on the catamaran from other resorts before disembarking at Mantaray Island Resort.

On arrival, you’ll be given a briefing, then board tender boats to be taken out to have the chance to swim and snorkel (buoyancy aids are available for less confident swimmers) amongst the manta rays while they glide throughout this popular feeding ground.

Lunch is provided at Mantaray Island Resort before the vessel collects you again at 2.40pm for your return journey to Port Denarau.

South Sea Cruises work closely with the experienced team at Mantaray Island Resort to carefully choose dates around tide times that have a higher chance of manta rays coming to feed in ‘manta channel’ but as mantas are wild creatures, they do have their own schedule.

If they are not in the channel on the day of your trip, your disappointment will be short lived as you experience one of Fiji’s most vibrant tropical reefs, via a guided snorkelling trip.

Home to an abundance of starfish, anemones, reef sharks, morays, octopus, and butterfly fish, this adventure is an amazing experience in itself.

You can also return on the next available Manta Ray Experience for only FJ$75 per person and hope the manta’s will be more hospitable!

Inclusions:

• Return pre-booked coach transfers to/from Port Denarau to/from most Nadi, Denarau, and Wailoaloa hotels/resorts
• Return scenic transfers from/to Port Denarau on a high speed catamaran
• All snorkelling equipment and buoyancy aids if required
• Guided manta ray experience or alternatively a reef snorkelling experience with specialised guides
• Lunch at Mantaray Island Resort including a soft drink and water
• Full use of Mantaray Island Resort facilities

What to bring:

• Cash or credit card for optional purchases
• Swimwear, towel, sunscreen and hat