There’s only around a week left until key members of the trade are flown into an island paradise for a two-day showcase of everything Vanuatu has to offer its international visitors.
Vanuatu Tourism Office’s (VTO) annual two-day industry tradeshow kicks off on 29 August this year, during which key attendees will meet with some 57 local sellers.
It’s going to be sunny and cocktail-filled but yet completely work-related. Read on for more information.
WHAT IS TOK TOK?
Tok Tok is an annual gathering hosted by Vanuatu’s tourism leaders to showcase the destination and its product to key players around the world.
Attendees will come from vital tourism destinations including Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, Singapore, China, Europe and the United States.
During the event, buyers will build one-on-one relationships with Vanuatu’s sellers including accommodation representatives, activity operators and more.
New sellers this year are The Palm House on Efate – a Blue Cave tour company on Tanna, Little Paradise Bungalows – an activity operator for thrill-seekers, and Espiritu Santo – an operator offering a true taste of Ni-Vanuatu life on Malakula.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO VANUATU?
According to the Vanuatu Tourism Office’s Chief Executive, Adela Issachar Aru, Tok Tok plays an integral role in the development of relationships with international buyers. It also creates an opportunity to introduce and build knowledge of local operators and small boutique product.
“We’re very excited to announce that this year’s Tok Tok will see the highest number, and widest variety, of local operators taking part, allowing VTO to truly showcase the diversity of our action-packed holiday destination.”
Adela Issachar Aru, Vanuatu Tourism Office Chief Executive
“Now in its 17th year, Tok Tok will not only provide a platform for wholesalers to strengthen existing connections and build new ones but also provide the chance for sellers to promote their offering to a whole new captive audience,” she added.
WHAT ARE THE TOURISM NUMBERS FROM AUSTRALIA LIKE?
Visitation from Australia was up 6.8 percent in 2018 compared to 2017, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
And growth hasn’t slowed down in 2019.
During the first five months of the new year, there’s already been a 13 percent increase in visitation from Australia thanks to new non-stop flights from Melbourne.
WHAT ARE THE FULL DEETS & HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED NEXT YEAR?
Tok Tok will officially launch on the morning of Thursday 29 August with B2B meetings and a buyers’ function in the evening, followed by three exciting famil options kicking-off on Friday.
The event will round-out with a spectacular gala dinner on Saturday evening (31 August) at this year’s host venue, Warwick Le Lagon.
Click here for more information and to learn about pre- and- post- famils.