South Pacific Tourism Organisation chief executive Ilisoni Vuidreketi. Photo: PAULINI RATULAILAI
By MARAIA VULA
The South Pacific Tourism Organisation has identified the need to have a tourism exchange trade show at a regional level.
These were the words of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation chief executive Ilisoni Vuidreketi at a press conference yesterday at the organisation’s head office in Suva.
“We recognise and applaud the initiative taken by Pacific Island countries in promoting their destinations through national trade shows,” he said.
“Having a regional level trade show will compliment rather the initiatives taken at national levels.”
“I am also pleased to announce the organisation’s inaugural South Pacific Tourism Exchange to be held in Auckland, New Zealand from May 22 to 23.”
Auckland was chosen because of its convenience and direct access into the Pacific as well as the event timing was chosen to coincide with New Zealand’s annual Trenz trade show in May.
About the show
The South Pacific Tourism Exchange will be promoted as the region’s largest travel and tourism business to business event.
“We expect to attract the participation of more than 50 international buyers and 16 Pacific Island countries with their respective private sector operators,” Mr Vuidreketi said.
“This event will also see the convergence of international wholesalers/buyers from long haul markets such as Germany, Switzerland, USA and our neighbours Australia and New Zealand.
“As well as the South Pacific product suppliers/sellers such as hotels, resorts, tour operators, rental car companies and airline partners converging in one location.
“These buyers and sellers will be able to connect over targeted 15 minutes business-focused appointments to establish, renew and build business relationships,” he added.
The tourism organisation developed this programme to help facilitate the coordination of a cost effective market place where tourism buyers and sellers can converge to conduct negotiations and meetings.