Carrigan to lock for Kangaroos, JT returns for Tonga

The Kangaroos have taken the first Test from England and only need to win one of the remaining two to retain the Ashes. This week they travel to Liverpool to play at Everton's home ground, Hill Dickinson Stadium. A change of referee to Australia's...

American Samoa strengthens Pacific tourism ties

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa Visitors Bureau (ASVB) Director Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia traveled to Vavaʻu, Tonga, from October 18- 25, 2025, to engage in a full suite of strategic regional tourism events hosted by the South Pacific...

The oven that trains cooks, produces 1500 meals a day, and roasts a whole pig, too

The way Felix Tai sees it, a large part of his job as the executive chef at the Polynesian Cultural Center, one of the largest tourist attractions on the island of Oahu, is to allow his guests to feel the spirit of aloha through his food. “Aloha...

10 Least-visited countries in 2025: Offbeat travel destinations for crowd-free getaways

Travel News As global travel surges again in November 2025, finding destinations untouched by overtourism is becoming harder. Yet, some corners of the world remain blissfully calm, places where you can experience raw beauty, authentic cultures,...

Tonga’s Tourism Sector Takes First Steps toward Phasing out Single-Use Plastics and Strengthening Agritourism

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), through the Government of Australia-funded Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), joined forces to support the Pacific tourism...

Tonga edges closer towards pivotal general election

By Jean Marc ‘Ake, USP intern The November general election in Tonga is just around the corner and all 71 registered candidates’ campaigning efforts are well in motion. While some have sat down face to face with their respective constituents...

King launches Tonga’s major bridge to ease traffic

His Majesty King Tupou VI today launched the ground-breaking ceremony at Folaha for the multi-million-dollar Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge project on Tongatapu. The planned infrastructure includes a 720-metre two-lane bridge, plus access roads and...

Twenty-three arrests after Tonga v Samoa rugby league celebrations in South Auckland

Police also issued 204 infringement notices for driving- and road-related offences. “This behaviour is not only unlawful, it poses a real risk to those participating in this behaviour, spectators, and members of the public,” police said. “Police...

Travel to Chile for the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting

Department of Defence The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, is travelling to Chile for the 2025 South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM). SPDMM provides a forum for regional defence ministers to enhance...

Tama Tonga sends a cryptic one-word message after confronting popular tag team on WWE SmackDown

Tama Tonga sent a cryptic one-word message after this week's WWE SmackDown. He confronted Fraxiom backstage on the show and also teamed up with JC Mateo to beat the duo of Rey Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura. Tonga recently made his return to WWE...

PACER Plus partners with SPTO to promote sustainable tourism in the region

VAVA’U, Tonga – The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) provided funding support and took part in the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) meetings held in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga, from 20 to 22 October 2025. The three-day gathering included the...

3rd Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit Opens in Vava’u, Tonga

The 3rd Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit officially opened today at Puataukanave Hotel, Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga, under the theme Midway to 2030: Realigning, Reaffirming and Recommitting to Sustainable Tourism. The Summit marks a...

Inaugural Forum Opens in Vava’u, Tonga to Champion Youth Leadership across the Region

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) officially launched the inaugural Pacific Youth Forum on Sustainable Tourism (PYFST) today in Vava’u, Tonga, with a powerful opening address by SPTO Chair Lady Adela Issachar Aru. The Forum marks a historic...

SPTO Board of Directors Convenes in Vava’u, Tonga

Key Resolutions Passed to Advance Regional Tourism Governance and Strategic Planning The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Board of Directors convened its annual meeting on Monday, 20 October 2025, at Puataukanave Hotel, Vava’u, Tonga....

Youth Voices at the Heart of Tourism’s Future

VAVA’U, TONGA — The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) officially opened the inaugural Pacific Youth Forum on Sustainable Tourism this morning, with a powerful address by Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker. Held at Puataukanave Hotel in...

Pacific Youth Forum Concludes with Unified Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Youth Leaders Launch Action Plan for 2025–2030 The inaugural Pacific Youth Forum on Sustainable Tourism (PYFST) concluded this week in Vava’u, Tonga, marking a significant milestone in youth engagement across the region’s tourism sector. Convened...

Pacific Tourism Organisation Builds Local Capacity on Digital Marketing and Research in Vavaʻu, Tonga

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has concluded a series of focused capacity-building workshops in Vavaʻu, Tonga, designed to strengthen digital marketing, branding, and research skills among local tourism stakeholders. The training supports...

ATTA Joins Pacific Leaders at the 2025 Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit in Vava’u, Tonga

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) was honored to participate in the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit, hosted by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in Vava’u, Tonga. The event brought together representatives...

Extra public holiday for 150-year milestone

The government has declared an extra public holiday on Tuesday 4 November 2025 in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Tonga’s constitution. Under the public holiday schedule, the annual Constitution Day holiday will be observed on Monday 3...

Solomon Islands to Host 2026 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting

Solomon Islands wins bid to host 2026 tourism meeting, a major boost for the country’s economy and tourism sector. The Solomon Islands will host the 2026 Council of Tourism Ministers’ Meeting following a successful bid by Minister of Culture and...