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Painting the picture S


cattered like so much stardust across a vast expanse of deep-blue ocean, the South


Pacific genuinely can make tropical holiday dreams come true. There’s no exaggeration needed. The beaches here really are powder soft, the lagoons translucent, the foliage lush and the landscapes a riot of brilliant colours. Waterfalls tumble from volcanic peaks, glorious scents of flowers or spices perfume the air, exotic fruits abound and, as the brochures promise, the locals really are ‘friendly’. On a perfect day in the dry season, which runs from May to October, this could well be the closest your clients will come to discovering an earthly paradise, according to operators. “If you’re selling a holiday of a


lifetime, the South Pacific must come top of the list for many clients,” says Aaron Jennings, Regional Product Manager for Cox & Kings. Being a far flung, remote and, for the large part, pricey holiday option adds to the islands’ appeal, he says. Distance and sometimes complex


air access from the UK serve to enhance their exclusivity. And although packed with marine and cultural activities, the South Pacific is principally geared to the ultimate in romantic chilling out. Apart from stopover or add-on options in conjunction with travel to Australasia, this firmly places the islands in a specialist tailor-made category for honeymooners and well- heeled couples, adds Jennings. Fiji is the more affordable South


Pacific choice, with the widest range of accommodation styles, and English is the primary language spoken. Adds Cox & Kings’ Jennings: “Fiji


certainly has heaps going for it, being a principal international air hub offering a plentiful variety of mainland and easy-to-access offshore resorts and activities.” The Cook Islands, a boutique south sea island destination, are tropically laid-back and benefit from direct UK- Rarotonga air connections. French Polynesia – the largest and most popular is Tahiti, in the Society islands – best suits those seeking traditional images of the South Pacific’s swaying palms, limpid lagoons and stilted overwater bungalows. Helen Richards, Product Executive Australasia for


www.sellinglonghaul.com September 2013 49


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