Tonga has new plans to expand tourism

NUKU‘ALOFA – Tonga’s small population swelled to almost a full house over the two weeks of celebrations for the the coronation of KingTupou VI.

An estimated 15,000 extra people visiting the islands meant the capital, Nuku‘alofa, was bursting at the seams.

The ten days worth of coronation festivities came on top of July’s usual busy calendar of events, including the annual Heilala festival.

It has given Tonga a taste for the inflowing dollars that such large numbers of visitors can represent and has tourism industry players asking questions about how to keep the visitors coming.

It has also highlighted the industry’s limitations in dealing with large numbers.

The government has decided that boosting the tourism industry will be the fastest way to an economic recovery for Tonga.

An executive at the Ministry of Tourism in Tonga, Sione Moala Mafi, said it is looking at tripling the current tourism budget through aid and investment.

He said the industry also needed improved planning with the coronation fortnight influx illustrating the limitations of accommodation and other tourism services in Tonga.

“We are looking at upgrading airports and airstrips in the outer islands as well as another international airport in Vava’u.

“We are trying to open up the air links and even to attract investors. We don’t have to build hotels ourselves. We can attract investors to build it for us.

“So we are looking at reclaiming some areas in the front harbour of Nuku‘alofa and so that will be most appropriate for some of the five-star hotels to be built.”

Meanwhile the Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva has defended the thousands of dollars spent on an advertorial on Tonga in Forbes magazine which has been raising some eyebrows in the country.

He says it was aimed at attracting foreign investors.

“The interview is intended to attract and to advertise Tonga among the circle of the rich people. I think it will attract, in one way or the other, investors to come and invest here in Tonga.”

The two page advertorial featured an interview with Mr Pohiva and cost the government US$150,000, which is more than a quarter of its annual tourism budget.

The government is also planning to bring in improved policies and regulations for foreign investment to develop tourism and fast track economy growth.

However it has also introduced charges on foreign exchange and a hike in the departure tax by almost 50 US dollars, to help fund the 2019 Pacific Games.

The move has sparked criticism from the Chair of the Tonga Advisory Council, Melino Maka, who says it will put off desperately needed tourists.