talking shop South Pacifi c
DESTINATION DIALOGUE: SOUTH PA CIFIC
Agents attending our Destination Dialogue South Pacifi c event discovered there's more to the region than grass-skirts and beaches. From tribal customs to rare birds, adventure treks to stunning dives, this region has it all...
“A region for
travellers not tourists. Spend time there to really feel its spirit”
EVENT DETAILS WHO: SELLING LONG HAUL, FIJI, SAMOA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, VANUATU, TAHITI & THE SOUTH PACIFIC TOURISM ORGANISATION WHERE: WTM, LONDON, NOV '12 WHY: LEARN ABOUT THE SOUTH PACIFIC
T
he South Pacifi c covers a third of the globe. It's a vast region with a diverse range of destinations.
It offers huge potential for the UK market and includes a total of 14 distinct destinations. Five of these joined together for our Destination Dialogue South Pacifi c – Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. Leading the event was the South Pacifi c Tourism Organisation which has launched online training for the destination at
www.spto.org. This accredited training offers island by island information and is designed to build trade knowledge and confi dence in selling the destination. Once certifi ed, South Pacifi c Specialists receive priority for fam trips and incentives as well as newsletters and invites to workshops.
THE CHALLENGES
The product is beautiful and diverse with something to suit most clients. The challenge is the length of the journey and the costs involved.
64 December 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
HOW TO SELL The South Pacifi c is for travellers not tourists. Sell it to those who are interested in authentic culture and customs and want to experience a very different way of life. Take care to match the right island to the right client. Some best suit honeymooners and luxury lovers, others are good for families. A package to PNG can cost around £5000; a trip to Vanuatu £3-4000. Sell these as a once-in-a-lifetime trip or suggest more competitive add-ons – for example fi ve nights in Samoa (fi ve nights), added to an Auckland trip is £825. Living costs are often low and local hospitality very genuine.
GETTING THERE Flights to the islands operate direct from Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Los Angeles, New York and Paris. But with Australia and New Zealand relatively close, recommend clients combine a South Pacifi c island with a trip to Australasia.
GETTING AROUND
The region is formed of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Within each region there are
regular connecting fl ights between islands but if clients want to travel across regions they generally need to go via New Zealand. For those keen to explore, consider cruises as offered by P&O, Carnival and Paul Gaugin Cruises out of Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia. Round- the-world tours, departing the UK, also include South Pacifi c ports.
WHERE TO STAY The South Pacifi c offers a huge range of accommodation options from local island homestays to a six- or seven-star resort experience.
STAND OUT ATTRACTIONS
The fascinating local culture and the friendly people are a key attraction, along with the great climate and fabulous beaches. Across the region
Far left: Kate Fenton, Samoa Tourism Authority; Petero Manufola, SPTO; Jeanette McKeague-Baude, Vanuatu Tourism Offi ce; and Chris Lee PNG Tourism Authority; plus images of the event
there are also great diving and
fi shing opportunities and in some destinations, such as Papua New Guinea, fantastic
bird-watching to impress the most ardent twitcher. Remember too that it is a year-round destination.
PETERO MANUFOLAU South Pacifi c Tourism Organisation "Your clients may fear the South Pacifi c is a long way away but remind them they are simply a few infl ight movies away from paradise. Flag up the wide range of amazing events in our calendar and train at
www.spto.org to build your knowledge and access some great offers and incentives."
selling tip “Eating out is fun and
economical on many islands so avoid selling the all- inclusive meal plans. ”
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