Friday 26th April 2013 Issue 17

Looking forward to welcoming you to our humble Shores…

Feature News from the office

Get Out n About Industry News

Trade and Media

Website Newcomer

Events & Entertainment Advertisement

Editor/Publisher: VTO Host online: Issuu.com Design: VTO Image credits: Elan Restaurant, Island Escape Cruises, Greg Tarry, Les Cottages De Bellevue – Ecolodge, Cheif Sekor. ©All rights reserved. This electronic magazine may not be reproduced in any form, in whole, or part, without the consent of the publisher. The VTO can not be held liable for any information contained in the advertisements. COPYRIGHT: VANUATU TOURISM OFFICE

Vanuatu Tourism Office, PO Box 209, Port Vila, Vanuatu. Ph (678) 22515 / 22685. Web www.vanuatu.travel Email tourism@vanuatu.travel

Miss Vanuatu 2013 relaunched by the Vanuatu Tourism Office Media release 25 April 2013: After 8 years of Miss Glenda Laban winning Miss Vanuatu Tourism 2005, the Vanuatu Tourism Office and its partners are proud to introduce Miss Republic of Vanuatu 2013. It is a follow up competition, and from this year onwards this will be an Annual event organized and run in association with the Vanuatu Tourism Office to determine the country’s Miss Vanuatu winner to represent the Republic of Vanuatu in the overseas beauty pageants contests. Beauty Pageants such as Miss World and Miss Universe are now organized and hosted world wide as a prestigious competition between women to earmark and preserve beauty and intelligence. Not only are they the driving force to empower women today but also for charitable occasions and causes. The General Manager of the VTO and Chairlady of the Organizing Committee said the aim of this year’s competition is to develop an opportunity for the Ni-Vanuatu young woman to use their God given talents in taking the lead to promote their pride “Vanuatu” within any regional and international… Read more.

News from the office

Faionalave becomes VTO’s new chairman On Thursday 19th April, the Vanuatu Tourism Office marked a historical moment as the institution’s General Manager, Ms Linda Kalpoi, hosted a combined farewell and welcome tea for both the outgoing and new chairman of the VTO Board, witnessed by Management and staff of the VTO. The afternoon speeches were of courage and assurance from VTO’s new….. Read more.

New Tourism Minister Hon. Marcellino Pipitte meets VTO Board this week

The VTO Board and Management officially met with the new Minister of Tourism & Commerce, Hon. Marcellino Pipitte on Tuesday 23rd April 2013 at the Warwick Le Lagon. The Minister expressed two areas he would like to see implemented within the next 3 months and fully developed by the end of his mandate which were the increase of tourism activities in the outer islands, and improved bungalow standards throughout the provinces. The Hon. Minister stressed that Port Vila and Luganville have been an ongoing success story throughout the years offering a wide range of cultural and leisure activities for tourists, but fewer activities and offers in the other islands, and low standard bungalows have been discouraging outer island bookings. In regards to accommodations, Minister Pipitte emphasized that he wants to see that there is at least one standardized bungalow in all 6 provinces to empower other bungalows to step up and improve in the same direction. After the Minister’s address and presentation, a kava ceremony followed.

VTO Out

& About

Weekend atop Mount Yasur, Tanna VTO’s Senior Information Officer Ms Brenda Andre was in Tanna over the weekend on Unity Airline’s tour package which was thoroughly enjoyed. Ms Andre stayed at the Tanna Evergreen Resort and she went up to the volcano to watch Mount Yasur put on her majestic firework displays well into the evening (view photos opposite). Unity Airlines flew Ms Andre including 8 other passengers from Australia and New Zealand, to Tanna and back. Entani Limited company is currently building a permanent office at the volcano entrance. Ms Andre discovered that there was camping available along the road towards Yasur entry.

Local Industry

Elan Restaurant and Bar announces new chef By Elan Management: Hello and Bonjour to our valued Customers and Friends. I cannot believe we are already into April, this year is flying along. Just a quick note to let you know we are pleased to announce a new staff member to our existing ‘elan’ team. ‘Chef Syrille’ who originally trained in Noumea and brings a wealth of experience working in many major restaurants and resorts both in Noumea and Vanuatu. Syrille has been working with us to add a number of new fresh exciting dishes to our menu. Don’t worry all your favourites are still available! Look forward to seeing you again soon and once again thank you for your support. For booking and further queries, email elan@vanuatu.com.vu . Phone +678 25526.

Vanuatu listed twice in Travel Choice Top 10 South Pacific Islands

Media release: Vanuatu’s Islands of Efate and Espiritu Santo have made it in the Top 10 Trip Advisors' Travellers' Choice Awards 2013' - South Pacific Islands. Efate came fourth in the Top Ten after Society Islands and Cook Islands but ahead of Fiji! http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Islands-cTop-g8 . Trip Advisors’ Travellers Choice Awards are based on valuable travellers reviews and they have dedicated lists to recognise the beauty of islands in destinations around the world. Consumers from around the world plan trips with TripAdvisor, one of the largest travel sites. There are over 100 million candid reviews, opinions, and photos of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more - all by independent travellers. TripAdvisor also lists airfares, free travel guides, worldwide vacation rental listings and popular forums with advice.

Vanuatu Tourism Office says Vanuatu is attracting even more International film crews

23 April, 2013: Vanuatu is attracting more overseas television crews and film production companies with Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) working with three more foreign TV companies to film in Vanuatu islands in the coming weeks. Australian and New Zealand production companies are choosing Vanuatu for their travel programs, location shoots and film backdrops with the Australian travel and lifestyle TV program Eat, Play & Stay visiting Vanuatu in April. Weekend Today, Channel 9, one of Australia’s leading weekend shows will also be filming in May and the popular New Zealand travel program, Radar Across the Pacific, will be filming mid-May. Australia’s Eat, Play & Stay is currently in Vanuatu to film a Vanuatu Special and promote the destination in Australia. The program will be broadcast in Australia on the free to air channel seven four "4ME' network and on Foxtel's Aurora Channel. Eat, Play & Stay film crew is also working with a selection of resorts, restaurants and tourist attractions to provide segments on a number of partner companies, and the material will also be featured on their website and throughout their various promotions. The crew is visiting Port-Vila, Espiritu Santo and Tanna islands over a 12 days period. Read more.

News from the office

VTO participates at ‘Forum des métiers et de l'orientation’ 23 & 24 April 2013

The VTO, represented by its student intern as Trade & Events trainee Ms Soraya Perrin, participated at the Forum des Metiers this week and spoke about job career opportunities within the tourism industry. This was a first of its kind for the French embassy, Alliance Francaise, french and english schools and institutions in Port Vila to come together and organize a successful forum. The VTO booth was a popular sight attracting many students from both english and french institutions of private and government, who visited Ms Perrin to ask questions about jobs in the tourism industry. A total of over 400 students visited the VTO throughout the 2 days who were interested tourism and enquired about career opportunities within the tourism industry. The VTO booth was decorated with tear drop banners, display stands with VTO brochures, tourist guides, posters, plants and office sofa for guest comfort. The VTO acknowledges Ms Perrin for her time and effort in preparing for the event.

Above image: Ms Perrin talks to students at VTO booth.

Trade & MediA

Adventure in Vanuatu

April 18, 2013, 12:00 am Greg Tarry: After what felt like far too short a time for an Australian to be on an international flight, we landed in Port Villa, only four hours after leaving Sydney Airport. While the tropical heat is the first thing that hits you as you step off the plane, the realisation that you have left behind busy commutes, business meetings and fits of road rage soon settles in as you amble through the laid back international airport. It must be said that Vanuatu and its people are relaxed and the concept of island time, something that died decades ago in Australia, is alive and well on the island archipelago. For those looking to enjoy a Honeymoon or escape the rat race, Vanuatu’s collection of first-class coral reefs, resorts and restaurants would make an excellent choice. Click here to read full story.

Treasure Islands By Christina Pfeiffer: Unspoiled beaches? Check. Luxurious villas and resorts? Check. Diving, snorkeling and boating? Check. In Vanuatu, paradise lives on. Read more.

Website New Comer

Island Escape’s 1st Class Scenic Cruising By Island Escape Management: I have just had two days onboard the ship at the end of our Bay of Islands season. Once again I tell myself to make more time to do these trips. I flew out with the helicopter and to see the ship sitting at anchor in a beautiful bay, guests swimming, in kayaks or lazing on the beach was a sharp reminder to me that our cruises are simply fantastic. The ship itself is looking like a new pin – bright, spotlessly clean and very inviting. The new teak table on the back deck that we added in December is getting a lot of use by guests and proves to be one of the many favourite areas to enjoy a drink in the afternoon and evening. One group enjoyed dinner around the table on the last evening. Speaking of which, the standard of the meals coming from the galley is just superb. My evening choice of venison was prepared to perfection and after the complete set of courses I went to bed feeling both slightly guilty and very satisfied. We have a fantastic crew for the Vanuatu season and now have an extra chef onboard who produces magical delights at breakfast and enticing snacks throughout the day. We get better every time. Guests have been posting, emailing and calling us with rave reports on the ship. We would love to hear from you with your comments. We have new videos from two of our regular passengers that tell of their experiences onboard the “Island Passage”. See videos here. We start our Vanuatu season on 12th May and look forward to welcoming both regular and new guests onboard in the tropics – sunshine, warm water and white sand beaches. We invite you to come along, relax, be spoilt, be pampered and be absolutely amazed. Contact Island Escape Cruises on phone +64 9 522 1717 . New Zealand FREE: 0800 58 1717 . Australia FREE: 1800 584 869 . Email: info@islandescape.co.nz . Web: www.islandescapecruises.com

INDUSTRY

Les Cottages De Bellevue - Ecolodge

EVENTS & festivals

Rom Dance Ceremony 18 & 19 July 2013 Fanla village, north Ambrym

Rom Dance Ceremony is an annual event with plenty of "magic opportunity" to discover the Ambrym culture and Rom ceremony. Ambrym is “Island of Volcano and Magic” and guests will be able to watch more than 15 dancers surrounded by a crowd of over 300 villagers during the 2 days dance ceremony. On Thursday 18/07 morning is the Circumcision ceremony with custom dances. In the afternoon, there will be a Mask ceremony and on Friday 19/07 morning highlights the Rom Dance. In the afternoon is the "Right Taking" ceremony (paying for the mask) traditional meal and kava preparation. The price of the tours is confirmed at 5000 VT magic demonstration included.

First National Espiritu Santo Swim Week

What's in the bag?

Each entry prize pack includes admission for one person to the following events:

Entrance to the Champagne Beach - Lonnoc Bay Swim (includes transport from and to Luganville)

Welcome Dinner at Deco Stop Lodge Entrance Fees to the Espiritu Santo - Aore Island

Swim (includes transport from and to Luganville) Lunch at Aore Island Resort

Entrance fees to the Port Olry Swim (includes transport from and to Luganville)

Farewell Dinner at Hotel Santo

To enter, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/firstnationalespiritusanto?v=app_599788450050788&app_data=gaReferrerO

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EVENTS & festivals

MEDIA RELEASE Fest'Napuan 2013 – Port Vila, Vanuatu

“Rize up with my culture / Stanap wetem kalja blong mi” Fest'Napuan is set to return to the Pacific capital Port Vila for the 18th consecutive year: 16-20th October 2013. Described by past performers One Million Dollars (New Zealand), as “a wall of thick, hot tropical air, coconut trees swaying in the breeze and the sweet sounds of Vanuatu's traditional string band music...it was just like the tropical island music you'd expect with ukuleles, tea chest basses and beautiful vocal harmonies”, Fest'Napuan offers one of the friendliest and more laid-back festival settings in the world. The theme “Rize up with my culture / Stanap wetem kalja blong mi” will focus on promoting the use of traditional instruments in contemporary music, highlight the importance of culture in the world today, and encourage more musicians and performers to understand that culture has an important place in the music industry. This year Fest’Napuan will again incorporate Fest'Nalenga by showcasing local string bands, Zion Fest to celebrate gospel and religious music, and Fest'Tamariki dedicated to musical performances from primary school children supporting all genres, without restriction. Now the biggest event held in Vanuatu each year (last year attracting around 40,000 people over 5 nights), it is also now one of the most important regional cultural events held in the Pacific Islands. And one of the best things about Fest'Napuan? Entrance is absolutely FREE! The main stage is located in front of Vanuatu's renowned Cultural Centre and National Museum and also sits alongside the impressive Chief's Nakamal and having seen the likes of Blue King Brown and Rize of the Morning Star, among others, play their hearts out. Expect an explosion of brightly coloured performers rain, hail or shine. Also expect to eat well. Food tents will be set up for local mamas to sell their delicacies, tropical fruit, chilled coconuts and plenty of kava. All of this, alongside local arts and crafts and other merchandise are available in the vibrant festival area. Getting there Situated on the island of Efate, there are international flights to Port Vila from Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. The festival site is located close to Port Vila's town centre, opposite Parliament House – an easy 20 minute drive from the airport. Accommodation As befits a Pacific festival, all artists stay in a local village close to Port Vila. Unfortunately for visitors there is no camping, but Port Vila offers plenty of accommodation for festival-goers. There are details about booking accommodation ranging from budget to luxury from the Vanuatu Tourism Office here. Lineup To be announced. Keep an eye on the Fest'Napuan website for details. Dates October 16-20th, 2013 Tickets Entrance is free Unique to Fest'Napuan 2013 This year we are proud to support 'Music Bridges' - a series of public workshops covering industry issues such as copyright, promotion and event management that will immediately follow the festival on October 21st-23rd I in Port Vila. Contact Richard Shing director@festnapuan.org

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