Travel and Tourism in Tonga

Newly established Tonga Tourism Authority positive for Tonga travel and tourism

The Tonga Tourism Authority (TTA) was established in July 2013 and is expected to positively boost travel and tourism in Tonga. The TTA is responsible for designing and implementing the promotion of Tonga as a travel and tourism destination with the aim of raising awareness in key source markets. The formation of the TTA is part of the government’s increased focus on building the country’s tourism industry, which is now Tonga’s largest revenue earner.

Concerns over domestic flight issues negatively impact the country

Tonga’s domestic airline operations experienced a number of issues in 2013 related to political ties, competition, capacity, reliability and safety. Chatham Pacific ceased operations in March 2013, whilst Real Tonga began to operate domestic flights two days later. The New Zealand government felt that Real Tonga would create unfair competition and hence ceased operations of Chatham Pacific. The New Zealand government then issued travel advisories that domestic flights in Tonga were unsafe due to the MA-60 aircraft in the Real Tonga fleet. Furthermore, capacity and scheduling reliability issues were additional domestic airline issues in 2013.

Positive cruise market development seen

The December 2012 opening of the new cruise-dedicated Vuna wharf and increases in cruise-related promotions in key markets occurred as a result of the increased Tongan government focus on growing the country’s cruise market. These efforts resulted in growth in regards to international arrivals of cruise ships to Tonga, and the cruise market is expected to be a key source of travel and tourism growth for Tonga over the coming years.

Foreign investment regulation restricts travel accommodation growth

Tonga has restrictions in place in regards to foreign land ownership in the country, and this has restricted international operators from entering the market. High-quality accommodation outlets are most affected and a resultant shortage is apparent. International ownership of travel accommodation outlets is low and no significant changes are expected in regards to this situation in the short term.

Whale watching remains as a dominant attraction

The internationally acclaimed humpback whale watching and swimming on offer in Tonga continue to contribute significantly to the popularity of Tonga as a tourist destination. Being one of only three destinations globally in which travellers are able to swim with humpback whales is a strong positive note for travel and tourism in Tonga, and the popularity of whale watching is expected to continue in the years to come.

Files are delivered directly into your account within a few minutes of purchase.