A new wave of Chinese tourists is helping to boost growth in the Pacific tourism industry, a new report from the ANZ Bank says. The bank’s latest Pacific Economic Quarterly says a rise in tourist arrivals over the last 10 years has created new jobs and boosted government revenue, outpacing economic growth in the region.…
THE Westpac Bank PNG recently marked the first anniversary of its in-store banking outlet, noting that feedback from customers has been positive. Head of retail banking Adam Downie said: “In-store banking provides locals with access to banking services at their doorsteps instead of travelling long distance and queuing in branches for basic transactions.” Westpac PNG…
Fiji Airways says the steep rise in departure tax from its home base is not putting off travellers as the airline embarks on an ambitious five-year plan to increase revenue. Departure tax went up from just on $96 to $128 (US$51 – US$68) on 01 January, making it one of the highest in the world…
Tripadvisor has named the world’s best islands in its Traveller’s Choice Island Awards. Amergris Caye took the top gong for the second year running. Sitting on the border of Mexico and Belize, it is a fantasy getaway, home to the second largest barrier reef in the world – the first being Queensland’s Great Barrier.…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Papua New Guinea Government have signed two loans to fund improvements to the Highlands region road network and air services in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Minister for Treasury, Don Polye, and Marcelo Minc, Country Director of ADB’s PNG Resident Mission, participated in the loan signing ceremony. …
BANK South Pacific (BSP) Visa cardholders have been assured of a stronger level of security whenever they use the card here and overseas, thanks to the introduction of a new alert service. The bank said it has a new service known as “BSP visa alert” that would see BSP visa cardholders receive alerts via SMS,…
FIJIAN 7s legend Waisale Serevi put it rightly when he said rugby 7s was the heartbeat of the nation. This was evident during the Turtle Vodafone Nacula 7s held at Ratu Meli Memorial School ground in Yasawa last weekend when people from all walks of life gathered to witness the 7s battle and rivalry among…
Rugby League SP PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum on Tuesday named his 18 man squad for the opening match of the Intrust Super Cup competition against Redcliffe in Brisbane this Sunday. The club will take 18 players with one player to be omitted prior to kick off. Marum said training this week has been good…
THE 2014 FIFA World Cup licensed broadcaster Mai TV has secured sponsors for their coverage of the tournament which will be held in Brazil in June and July. The free to air TV network signed McDonalds Fiji as its first official sponsor before forging a deal with Coca-Cola Amatil Fiji Limited. “We are extremely happy…
Prince Charles Park in Nadi has been withdrawn as a venue for the OFC Champions League group stages scheduled for April 7-15 in Fiji. OFC Head of Competitions Michael Song says the decision was not taken lightly. “On February 12 2014, an inspection group from OFC and the Local Organising Committee, carried out a thorough…