Tonga, Samoa & Fiji Airways win first prize for "Best of Show/ Best New International Exhibitor” at the 2018 LA Travel & Adventure show. ^Featured

The dynamic South Pacific Trio under the umbrella of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in partnership with Fiji Airways participated at LA’s favourite travel show – now the largest in the nation, for the very first time this year. According to SPTO, the LA Travel & Adventure Show has become the USA’s most important travel event for marketers wishing to reach consumers and travel agents, which is ideal for their seven participating member countries.

Deputy CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Sione Finau Moala-Mafi & Yvette Guttenbeil Paea, Tourist Association

As well as the Pacific’s participation, the annual event was well attended by many other countries worldwide, such as the US, South America, Africa, South-east Asia and European countries.

The Tongan Delegation was led by Deputy CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Sione Finau Moala-Mafi accompanied by Mr. Giovanni Misinale (Ministry of Tourism Tonga) and Private Sector counterparts, namely:-
- Mr. Siosaia Moehau (President of the Tonga Tourist Association)
- Mr. Lolesio Lui (President of the Vava’u Tourist Association)
- Mrs. Yvette Guttenbeil Paea, Tourist Association
- Mr. Salesi Paea, Tourist Association
- Mr. Tevita Maka, Tourist Association.

By participating in the LA Travel & Adventure show, Tonga hopes to try and re-establish its presence in and be visible in the US and European tourist Market after eight years of non-existence.

Tonga Tourism’s Deputy CEO Mr. Sione Finau Moala-Mafi said that “Winning this prize is a great breakthrough, it creates a lot of awareness of Tonga's presence, allowing Tonga to be more visible in such a large and desirable tourist market. Our team came here with the hopes of achieving these goals for Tourism Tonga and we couldn’t be more proud of the fact that this award is a step in the right direction."

Following this exciting success, Tonga looks forward to continuing these rewarding efforts as the team prepares to join SPTO and other Pacific Islands at the ITB Berlin – The World’s Leading Travel trade show held on the 7th - 11th of March 2018 in Berlin, Germany.