Islands of Mystery’ compete for tourists

Press, 4 April 1987, Page 6

Islands of Mystery’ compete for tourists

NZPA Port Vila, Vanuatu By JALE MOALA : “Islands of Mystery” is the new catch-phrase in a campaign by Vanuatu to drag itself away from the horrors of Cyclone Uma and to compete for New Zealand and Australian tourists. Work has already begun to improve the Bauerfield Airport runaway to suit big aircraft, and marketing agents have been hired in Australia, New Zealand and the United States to sell the islands as a tourist destination. The Minister of Tourism, Mr Kalpokor Kalsakau said, “The effect of Cyclone Uma has not changed the Government’s determination to support and develop the tourism industry as a potentially important industry.” The killer cyclone Uma, struck the capital, Vila, on February . 8, causing SUSISO million damage to the capital along;. Some 50 people were , killed or are missing. /’ But after relief money poured in ’from all over the world and the country returned (h nbrmal, the Government turned its attention to the tourism war in the Pacific; Mr Kalsakau said, “The Governmenttis well aware that many in the private sector, both companies and , individuals in PoiT Vila'sand surrounding areas, 5 have suffered heavy losses as a result of

the cyclone. “The Government, acknowledges with appreciation the determination of the private sector. Damage is being made good at a rapid rate and accommodation is available now in Port Vila. “Most restaurants, tours, diving, and other attractions are now working.” The Government expects Vanuatu’s tourist industry to be working fully again by August this year. The Airport runway is being' enlarged to serve Boeing 767 jets. Mr Kalsakau said the increased frequency of flights between Brisbane and Nandi by Air Pacific and midweek services to Sydney by Air Caledonie will boost the number of arrivals in Noumea this year. There are also plans to start regular Air Vanuatu flights to the east coast of Australia. The National Tourism Office of Vanuatu has hired General Travel

Marketing Services of Sydney, Jet-Age Marketing of Auckland and Sue Herrick Enterprises of Los Angeles to sell Vanuatu abroad. Mr Kalsakau said a rep resentative will be hired in Japan later this year to woo big-spending Japanese tourists.. “These representatives are appointed to assist the National Tourism Office’s marketing and promotionl programme, to enhance the contact with wholesalers, airlines and the travel trade industry,” he said. "They will also help in the promotion of Vanuatu as a tourist destination.”