Royal couple’s visit to Fiji and Tonga stir hopes in tourism sector
Photo Courtesy: Elle
The Royal couple, popular as the ‘Duke and Duchess of Sussex’, is visiting Fiji and Tonga as part of an October tour that also includes Australia and New Zealand
Considering the global interest in the Royal newlyweds, the tourism sector believes their visit presents a rare opportunity to sell the Pacific region on the world stage.
“Our greatest advantage is the free publicity that we will get, and putting the Pacific on the map,” said Christopher Cocker, CEO of South Pacific Tourism Organization to the media.
He said local tourist operators and businesses have a rare opportunity to showcase their wares on an international stage. Mostly, what the Royal couple wears on the tour will influence the local market and stir interest for others to buy the same.
“I remember when Prince William and Kate went to the Solomon Islands they were given Pacific shirts, which became a wanted thing by the tourists and the locals,” he said.
Photo Courtesy: jpost.com
“What we often see is increased interest through Australia.com, our main website, and also through the travel trade of Brits interested in visiting Australia to follow in the footsteps of their Royal family.
“There’s no question that markets like Tonga and Fiji will be able to capitalize on the images from the Royal tour, and I think one of the things those destinations have is their welcoming and friendly people, which I think will be a great opportunity for them.”
Ana Ungatea Palu from Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism said the nation was hoping to increase tourism’s share of the annual GDP from under 20 to 30 per cent by 2020.
“I really believe that it would boost the awareness to the visitors and tourists of the world,” said Palu
As Tonga has its own Royal family, who are assisting the tourism ministry prepare for the visit, Palu believes the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit will take on special significance.
Mr Cocker was confident the visit would yield valuable benefits for the tourism sector — which is crucial to the region’s economic future.
