The Kingdom of Tonga will make its first appearance at the Pacific Area Incentives and Conferences Expo (PAICE) at SKYCITY Convention Centre on November 9 this year.

Paul Davis, tourism advisor for Kingdom of Tonga, says to a certain extent the destination’s attendance is about ‘putting a toe in the water’ to learn about the meetings market out of New Zealand.  

“However, we will also be featuring some of the product we’ve got that is suitable for small to medium sized meetings. We’ll be emphasising that Tonga is cost effective, warm weather Pacific destination for meetings.”

Venue options include The Royal Tonga International Hotel, which has been acquired by the Scenic Hotel Group and is near the airport, and The Fa’onelua Convention Centre in downtown Nuku’alofa.

Davis says that Tonga is more than just the main island, Tongatapu. “The outer island groups would also be great for incentive programmes.” Options for incentive and team building programmes include a yacht charter and sailing in Vava’u with Moorings Yacht Charters; whale watching / swimming with a number of operators out of Vava’u or from Ha’apai or Tongatapu; or staying at one of Tonga’s high end island retreats – Fafa or Mounu.

Delegates can also source a variety of pre and post activities after a conference in Nuku’alofa. These include a circle island tour taking in key sites and attractions; a day trip to an outer island such as Fafa or Atata; or a day’s snorkelling, diving or whale watching (or a combination of these) with Deep Blue Diving.

PAICE 2011 will have exhibitors from all over the Pacific, Australia, Asia and beyond. Visitors will include organisers of offshore meetings, functions, weddings, special interest tours, incentive programmes and other events.

For further info call Stu Freeman on 09-818 7807 or email: stu@promag.co.nz
A full list of exhibitors can be found at www.paicexpo.co.nz