The fourth and last day of the ‘Rendez-vous New Caledonia’ pre-famil included a visit to the Tiebaghi village – an ancient mining village in Kaala-Gomen.
Thursday morning after having spent the night at Malabou Beach Hotel it was time to departure to Koumac and with clear blue skies and a gorgeous sun, it couldn’t have been a better day to stop for a visit at the Tiebaghi village – an ancient mining village in Kaala-Gomen in New Caledonia.
Guided tour by Henri Reuillard at the Tiebaghi village.
Being the third largest exporter of nickel in the world, New Caledonia has a long history of mining and the village was highly populated in the beginning of the century and was the largest chromium mine in the world in 1941.
Stunning view from the mining village.
The chrome mine was active from 1901 – 1962 and during its peak many Americans and Italians came to work in the mine.
In order to provide medical facilities for the mining workers a local hospital was set up and as well as a local pub which became the hub of the village.
Lunch time – French baguettes!
After having lunch up on the very top of the mine surrounded by a stunning view it was time to get back in the mini-bus and hit the road again.
Welcome dinner at Escapade Island Resort
Dinner at Escapade.
Arriving at Noumea, the group checked into Le Chateau Royal and Spa and Caroline Brunel, New Caledonia’s Sales and Marketing Director welcomed everyone and gave a market update on New Caledonia.
The island nation has seen an increasing demand in Australian travellers with a 41.1 percent increase in visitor numbers in 2015 so far.
Part of New Caledonia Tourism’s strategy is to build brand awareness of the destination by educating Australian and New Zealand travellers on the product offerings.
“New Caledonia is not a South Pacific Island, it’s important to really get under the skin of the island to understand what New Caledonia is all about. The diversity of this island makes the experience here very unique”
Caroline Brunel, Sales & Marketing Director, New Caledonia Tourism,
Caroline Brunel opens up the event.
After the welcome speech the group made their way out to Escapade Island Resort. Located on Maitre Islet, an island in the Anse Vate Bay the resort offers overwater bungalows as well as a restaurant and swim-up bar.
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