Minister of Tourism to Head a delegation to the 2016 Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Expo Featured
Hon. Semisi Sika Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism
24 October, 2016. Hon. Minister for Infrastructure and Tourism, Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika is to Head a delegation to represent Tonga Tourism to the 2016 Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Expo which is scheduled to commence 27-30th October 2016.
Invitation for an Artistic Promotion Group to rep. Tonga Tourism was kindly conveyed and accepted during a courtesy meeting between His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador Huang Huaguang and Hon. Minister Semisi Sika.
Recognizing the Asian countries and especially People’s Republic of China as imminent potential markets for our Tourism Industry, Ministry of Tourism accepted this Invitation and the first ever Tonga Tourism Promotion Artistic Group of 25 delegates is to leave for the Expo today Monday 24th October.
Various sectors of the Tourism Industry likewise, Arts & Handicrafts, Island Creation Fashion Designs, and professional Cultural young Tongan Dancers and Performers from Tongan communities abroad are confirmed to participate in the EXPO.
Nonetheless Mr. Pita Taufatofua, our most renowned flag-bearer during Rio Olympics also joined the delegation. Ministry of Tourism is especially proud to also feature the Reigning Miss Tonga (Heilala) Laura Melaia Rene Lauti and Runner Up Ms. Vika Tangesi Toetu’u.
The Tonga Promotional Team is comprised of 14 Tongan performers whom are former and current Dancers of Hawaii’s paid attraction the famous Polynesian Cultural Centre. The group is under the direction of husband and wife duo Sia & Walter Tonga. Sia is a graduate of her mother Suliana's Polynesian Dance Academy in the Kingdom of Tonga.
She is also the granddaughter of renown 'punake' (composer & choreographer) Peni Tutu'ila and has composed a few Tongan songs of her own and choreographed for major productions in Hawaii. Walter -a former dancer at the Tonga National Center has Tongan faiva also in his lineage. He is the nephew of the late punake Afu Taumoepeau & grandson of the late Alamoti Taumoepeau.
At the 2016 Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Expo the Tongan delegation wishes to celebrate through song and dance the epic ocean voyaging stories of our Tongan ancestors that led to our own unique trade pathways that forged an alliance (and sometimes foes) throughout the Deep South Pacific.
We will also celebrate our island home--TONGA the TRUE South Pacific.
-Ministry of Tourism
