Loading ...INDUSTRY INFORMATION –> Tourism
The Government of Tonga believes the tourism sector has great future potential. Major
attractions focus on the unspoilt scenery and sea, with superb diving, fishing and sailing. Traditional Tongan customs and culture provide a friendly welcome for visitors.The tourism sector is Tonga’s second-largest source of hard currency earnings (following remittances), and arrivals of visitors have risen steadily over the past five years. In 2004 there were 41,208 visitor (non-resident) arrivals
Visiting friends and family is a key driver of visitors, together with general holidaymakers (each accounting for around 40 percent of total visitor numbers). Two thirds of visitors come from the Pacific region i.e. New Zealand, Australia and Fiji and other Pacific islands. The Government intends to promote the tourism sector as a means of conserving Tonga’s unique cultural patterns, archaeological and historical sites, and the natural environment.
Infrastructure
Recent improvements to the international airport at Fua’amotu, together with the upgrading of outer island airstrips and wharves, have facilitated the expansion in this sector. Electricity and telecommunications networks have been extended to most rural areas and improved in the outer islands. New roads have been constructed in most of the remote areas of the country for easier transport and communication.
Accommodation
The Government has identified accommodation as the key constraint to development of the tourism sector, and there is an urgent need for increases in both its quantity and standard.
Air services
Tonga’s international air links have improved significantly recently with the arrival of Pacific Blue: seat numbers are up, and costs are down into two of Tonga’s primary tourist source markets, Australia and New Zealand. Domestic capacity has also increased.
Under the Tourist Act 1976 (amended), ‘minimum standards’ are required to operate a tourist-related business. For the following types of businesses a tourist license is required from the Tonga Visitor’s Bureau:
- Accommodation
- Restaurant
- Tour operator
- Travel agent
- Marine-based activity (whale watching, game fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, yachting or cruising)
- Rentals (car, bicycle, scooter and horse)
- Handicraft or souvenir shop
- Booking office and others
Relevant Contacts:
Tourism Association
President:
Mr Tele Faletau
Ph: (676) 878 0060
Ministry of Tourism
Phone: +676 25334
