Photos taken at Esum Cultural Village. VTO would like to thank Management & staff of Esum Cultural Village for inviting our team to come out and experience a great product. Thanks also to colleagues of the Department & Ministry who joined us.
VTO Information officers visit Esum Multi Cultural Tour On Friday 08th February 2013, VTO information officer and student trainee, Aurianne and Cyriaque, went on a familiarization tour to Esum Cultural Village. The group was met and greeted by Esum’s Operations Manager Mr John Setack and Mr Yan Amos Tapang, the Managing Director. Traditional warriors and an informative tour guide led the group to each stops in the village starting from special fishing traps and fish bait deriving from strips of the coconut tree trunk, to ways of gardening and ancient methods of preserving food for up 5-6 months Futuna island style called “Maarha Food”, which was normally done during cyclone seasons. The third stop was all about pigs, its value during custom ceremonies including marriages when pigs are used for bride price, and help to restore peace between fighting tribes accompanying Kava ,Taro and sugarcane. The group meandered onto demonstrations on the uses of bamboo, chicken traps , tamtams, different burial methods, birth of the volcano which originated from two widows called Sabai and Monga and finally, the group was shown the purpose, art and meaning of sand drawing. A highlight was the “House of Birth” where the tour guide spoke of the tabu associated to the hut which belonged only to women in labour. At another hut, There was a display of beautifully woven baskets and mats from different islands throughout Vanuatu and close by was “ food kitchen for only men” . A huge nakamal or meeting house was where Aurianne, Cyriaque and colleagues of the Department of Tourism who also come on the tour, made their the final stop. It took 6months to complete building the nakamal which is traditionally a no go zone for women. Delicious tropical refreshment and cultural performance from the island of Tongoa entertained the group followed by farewells and an exchange of gratitude for an enjoyable morning ended the experience before the group was driven back to work.
Local INDUSTRY
The VTOA has released new executive for 2013/14 Congratulations to the following - Chairman: Morgan Bragg (The Barge), Vice President; Albert Solomon (Le Lepa Tours), Secretary; Russell Abel (Islandtime kayaking), Treasure: Adrian Mooney (Adventures In Paradise), and Fifth Exec; Tony Deamer (Unity Airlines). Email [email protected]
Air Vanuatu sale ends this week Media release: Air Vanuatu is celebrating 25 years of servicing the people of Vanuatu – and we’re all getting the presents – but time is running out. The massive sale for local residents ends on Friday 15 February, although travel is offered throughout the year. “We’ve slashed airfares to just 20,000vt plus taxes return from Port Vila to Santo, Tanna, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Noumea, Suva and Nadi,” Air Vanuatu CEO Joseph Laloyer said. “So far, the sale has gone really well, we’ve had many people through the sales offices doors, ringing our call centre and booking online. However like all good things – the sale must come to an end.” Mr. Laloyer said the sale was held in recognition of the support from the local community for Air Vanuatu in the last 25 years. “It is a milestone for us and we want to share the celebration with the people who have helped us reach it,” he said. The sale offers a great opportunity for residents to get off the rock for a weekend and at these prices, the whole family can go. Media inquiries: Tiffany Carroll, tel +678 7747153
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Trade & Media
Highlights of Vanuatu By Astral Sligo writing for www.jasons.com
You know that picture-perfect tropical island holiday that occupies your daydreams? You know the one; secluded white-sand beaches with crystal-clear sea, blue swimming holes, fantastic snorkelling, tropical flowers… Read more.
New jewel opens in Santo - Port Olry Bungalow A new bungalow has opened on Santo along Port Olry’s beautiful coastline located only 100m from the ocean shore. The bungalow was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony by TVET Santo Center last month and was witnessed by Port Olry communities, and local media. For more information on Port Olry Bungalow, email [email protected] .
Club Aqua Press release 14 February 2013: Club Aqua has opened its doors since April 2012, holding a unique waterfront location on the Segond Channel in the heart of Luganville, on the island of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. It’s island atmosphere and facilities that includes: waterfront tiki bar, beer garden, marina, free internet, 20 modern poker machines and wood fired pizza’s immediately helped it gain instant notoriety throughout Santo and beyond. The view from our indoor/outdoor Tiki bar, or deck overlooking a small marina and Aore Island speaks for itself. The building has survived cyclones, wars, and earthquakes. All the history, plus the unique war bunker architecture have helped to develop its character. Whether you’re enjoying Aqua’s Friday & Saturday Night live entertainment, dining by the waterfront for lunch or dinner, seated inside Aqua’s sports bar with full Fox Sports coverage, sipping a tropical cocktail at he Tiki Bar or trying your luck at Club Aqua’s Gaming Room, Club Aqua is a must to visit when in Santo. Club Aqua is located in the Club Aqua building, Luganville, Oceanside, in untouched Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. Club Aqua favorites such as Woodfire Pizzas, local BBQ seafood and cold draught beer, wine and spirits are always available. Hours of operation include: Tuesday-Sunday: 11am to 10pm. Visit www.clubaquasanto.com www.facebook.com/clubaquasanto or by email at: [email protected] Local Enquiries to Losa Rasu +678 7797777.
