Tahiti Video Contest - How To Enter

Here is the video version of how to enter to win your trip to Tahiti!

Win a Trip to Tahiti

Tahiti has just launched a major promotional campaign with a chance for lucky people like you to WIN A FREE TRIP TO TAHITI!

It’s called “Invest in your love”.

And these days, what could be more important to invest in. Just send a short, cute, creative video telling why you really need Tahiti now. If you’re a winner, you’ll finally get to enjoy that romantic trip to paradise you’ve always dreamed of.

For complete details, INCLUDING SPECIAL OFFERS AND DEALS OF THE WEEK, go to (http://www.investinyourlove.com) And hey, do you have friends and family who could use Tahiti right now? Share this link with them and spread the love!

Mauru'uru roa!

Your Friends at Tahiti Tourisme and your South Pacific Travel Expert - Carl Henderson

Cook Islands Departure Tax Change

Departure Tax Change

Effective April 2009 the Cook Islands Departure Tax is now:
Adult: $55

Child (3-12 years): $15

Infant (0-2 years): No charge

Departure Tax is payable at the Westpac Bank in the International Departures area prior to proceeding through security.

Matava Resort Fiji Wins Environmental Award

Press Release


KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 15th April 2009 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that it is the official 2009 winner of PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards 2009 in the in the Project AWARE Marine Environmental Award 2009





The PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards were developed to better recognise the achievements of those PADI Dive Centres and Resorts who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of diving.





In competition with more than a thousand dive centres throughout the region, Matava was awarded the great honor of this award as a token of appreciation for all the efforts and initiatives put forward by the company in the last few years.





"At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding similar efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji's leading role and efforts in this regard especially." said Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar.





Mr Ian Cumming, PADI Regional Director for the Fiji Islands, said "I'd just like to send my congratulations to the Team at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort who have taken out the Project AWARE Marine Environmental Award for 2009."





"Having visited the resort I know firsthand the mighty efforts everyone there have gone to to ensure the resort is very much the 'Eco Adventure' resort that has guests coming back time and again. Given the location of the resort, which adds greatly to its charm, it is a wonderful achievement that everyone involved in the resort should be very proud of!" Mr Cumming continued.





Mr Akhtar went on to say that "This PADI Member Award gives us special recognition within the entire tourism industry and shows our customers that we are responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our business. After 6 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognised again and this time by the world's largest international scuba certification agency, PADI.





"Our recent major resort upgrade in early 2008, and the addition of our new high-tech solar power plant solution for the Main Bure, kitchen and The Terrace restaurant area, we believe we are the leader in eco-sustainable resorts in the country.





"Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has again proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment."

With more than 12 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean viewsMad Fish Dive Centre is our on-site PADI Dive Centre offering the best of diving in the South Pacific.
www.matava.com www.scuba-diving-fiji.com

Job Loss Refunds from Air Pacific

Refund for Job Loss

Air Pacific, Fiji's international airline, is reassuring passengers who book a new flight on Air Pacific originating in North America to Fiji from April 8 until June 30 and travel by Dec. 31 that they can get a full refund if they lose their job before their trip.

“We understand that travellers might be hesitant to book their next dream vacation due to these uncertain times,” said Candy Andrus, Air Pacific regional general manager of The Americas. “We are delighted to announce this special offer to help keep our passengers' minds at ease. Fiji is a place for relaxation. We want to make sure this starts when you book your flight with Air Pacific.”

Air Pacific will waive any cancellation fee and charge an administration fee of $50 per ticket. Travel must be cancelled within 14 days of departure and travellers will need to show proof of layoff in order to qualify for the full refund and cancellation waiver.

Source: Travel Week April 13

Air Tahiti orders more ATR Aircraft

Despite the economy and low hotel occupancy rates in French Polynesia, Air Tahiti has placed orders for up to 7 ATR - 600 Series Aircraft with firm orders for 2 - 50 Seaters, 3 - 70 Seaters and an option for two more additional 70 seat aircrafts.

The airline currently operates an ATR fleet of aircraft that services over 47 Pacific Islands. As one of ATR's most loyal customers, Air Tahiti chooses the aircrafts for their unique design best suited for the tropical salty environment and the short and narrow airstrips often found throughout these beautiful South Pacific Islands.

Flying with Air Tahiti is a whole lot more than just getting to your destination with some of the most incredible views in the world as you land at island airports like Bora Bora. Each flight is like scenic tour so keep your camera handy and batteries well charged.

Come WalkAbout

Thinking about a trip Down Under? Tourism Australia has created a new website to help you explore before you go!

Click on the link below to help get ideas and have an interactive exploration of 16 epic Australian adventures. View photos, maps and download pdf files with information on tours and then give me a call to let me know what catches your interest and we can custom build an itinerary for your trip of a lifetime!

Explore Australia