03rd June, 2022 The Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) and the Tonga Tourism Authority (TTA) on Friday 27th May, 2022 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the ‘Tonga Ruby Union Supporting Tourism (TRUST Project)’.
The TRU which was represented by Mr. Peter Harding, the CEO met with TTA General Manager, Mr. Viliami Takau to formalize the marketing and TRUST Project. The ‘Project’ aims to maximize the coverage of the ‘Ikale Tahi rugby team to:
1. Support the revival of the Tongan Economy (specifically tourism) at the wake of Covid-19 and Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai Volcano eruption and tsunami.
2. Leverage and partner on marketing efforts of mutual benefit.
3. Increase exposure of Tonga as a tourism destination with a focus on players’ villages and/or islands.
4. Boost morale of the Tongan people by highlighting cultural values, pride, spirit, and resilience.
As Mr. Takau alluded, “Our data shows that the biggest percentage of visitors to Tonga in the past two decades continues to be our Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) market. This is unique for destinations as many people and practitioners disregard them as being tourists. But the literature is there, VFR are tourists. So part of our marketing strategy includes exploring Sports Tourism, which is not a new concept to Tonga but we’re proud to be teaming up with our national sports teams to maximize the marketing and promoting of Tonga as a desirable destination. Today’s memorandum may be one small step for Tonga, but it is one giant leap for Tonga’s tourism. We’d like to thank Peter and the TRU for their ongoing support in promoting Tonga and we’re excited for what lies ahead. ”
The TRU recently announced their ‘Ikale Tahi squad for the 2022 Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji to be held in 2nd to 16th of July of this year. Big household names Malakai Fekitoa, Israel Folau and Salesi Piutau makes their mark joining the ‘Ikale Tahi team amongst many other greats in the game. With the first game set in July, the TTA will soon kick off its marketing strategy to complement the ‘Ikale Tahi games leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
TTA are currently engaging in similar discussions with other National Sports Teams such as the Mate Ma’a Tonga and will be meeting with the Tonga Netball Association. The Sports platform is not only an opportunity to showcase Tongan talent but also Tonga in its entirety at the world stage especially with the upcoming World Cup competitions.
ENDS
For more information and or questions, please contact Ms. Simata-e-la’a Palu at the Tonga Tourism Authority on simatapalu@gmail.com or +676 7744669.