News
SPTO launches 8-night Fiji dive holiday incentive
The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has launched an exclusive, eight-night dive holiday incentive on Fiji’s Suncoast region – known for some of the most spectacular coral reef diving in the world.
The incentive is targeted specifically at travel specialists who sell dive packages or those with dive certifications themselves.
To qualify, agents simply have to complete the South Pacific Specialist Programme, an on-line training module that teaches them how to sell South Pacific holidays.
Diving in the Pacific islands region is one of five niche areas covered in the training, which helps travel agents develop and enhance their knowledge on the unique tourism products and services that are available throughout the tropical South Pacific.
The online programme is aimed at helping travel agents increase their confidence and ability to sell the South Pacific with passion and loyalty.
At present, there are 458 certified South Pacific Specialist agents across the globe mainly from Australia, Canada, China, Europe, India, United Kingdom and United States.
The eight-night Fiji dive package being launched is offered in conjunction with Tourism Suncoast, the regional destination organization for the Suncoast region, focused on promoting travel in the northwest of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu.
The prize is inclusive of four nights’ accommodation at Wananavu Beach Resort and four nights at Volivoli Beach Resort with full buffet breakfast and underwater expedition. Meet and greet upon arrival in Fiji and transfers to Suncoast is being offered with the compliments of Tours Managers Fiji.
In launching the competition, SPTO chief executive officer Chris Cocker said: “Fiji and other Pacific island countries offer some of the best diving in the world, with high potential to drive tourism development into the region.”
“Although it is a niche market, dive tourism has proven to be particularly effective in stimulating responsible tourism in new destinations. We’re particularly proud to support Tourism Suncoast in educating international travel agents under our South Pacific Specialists programme on not only the great diving offerings but the beauty of the Suncoast as an emerging destination within Fiji,” he added.
Cocker stated that Fiji, as the soft coral capital of the world, offers a range of diving experiences across the country and that Suncoast, known for its pristine and un-crowded environment, is well suited for tourists and travellers of all types who are looking for a special kind of diving and holiday experience not offered elsewhere in Fiji.
The Suncoast region features the Bligh Waters, or more recently the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape, one of the country’s precious underwater jewels, known after the small volcanic island Vatu-i-Ra, a national park and bird sanctuary with beautiful white sand beaches.
The closing date for the competition is the 23rd September 2016. To register and complete the South Pacific Specialist training, visit www.southpacificspecialist.org.
Based in Suva, SPTO works with 16 Pacific island countries to market and develop tourism in the South Pacific region.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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