Norwegian Travel Agent Rewarded With Exclusive Holiday In Niue

The CEO of a travel agency Sky Travel Group/Reiseland in Norway had the opportunity to sample the beauty of the small island of Niue recently when he won an exclusive, eight-night fishing holiday to the islands following his commitment to promote and sell fishing travel packages to the South Pacific.
Mr Erik Drilen,  has been manager of a Berg-Hansen travel agency in Norway (Carlson Wagonlit associate) for 16 years before he started working for Sky Travel Group (brand name: Reiseland) in Norway in 2009. He is  now  part owner of the company.
Mr Drilen, won the trip following his successful completion of the South Pacific Specialist Training programme, an online training module, designed to assist travel agents sell the Pacific as a destination.
The incentive to win an 8-night fishing holiday to Niue launched by SPTO in December last year targeted specifically at travel specialists who sell fishing travel packages or those with fishing licences and certifications themselves.
Speaking about his prize, Mr. Drilen shared some highlights of what he identified as an “unforgettable holiday.”
“Niue Island is a lovely island, and I would no doubt go back again. You get very close to the local people, and can easily make friends. Some people might think it is too quiet, i.e. it is not an island for party lovers. But if you want to get away from the city, work and stress, it’s perfect. Several people I talked to are repeaters, because they love the intimateness, and prefer Niue to other more populated South Pacific islands. There are no sandy beaches on Niue, but there are exciting chasms and pools where you can swim, even cave pools”.
The winning package was inclusive of an eight nights’ accommodation at Scenic Matavai Resort with full buffet breakfast, island tours and fishing excursions.
“Family Fishing Holiday trips are marvelous, and they are perfect for both couples and families. It is something I easily could have suggested for potential clients who would travel to the Pacific. Even if they are not experienced fishers. The skippers handle all the lack of experience that you might not have. Fishing for big fish at sea also gives a boost that regular fishing at home doesn’t give you” said Mr Drilen
He highlighted how different Niue was and encouraged visitors to the country to explore the whole island.
“It is different than any other place I’ve visited. Be amazed in the many caves. I would certainly recommend the fishing trips and the snorkeling. Misa’s nature walk is also a treasure, as you will get a better understanding of the island and learn the traditional ways.
“I would also recommend doing the programme in the winter (June-September/October). The temperature in the winter is perfect (about 25 degree C), the humidity is lower and not so much rain as in the summer”.
The South Pacific Specialist Programme was introduced by SPTO in 2012 as an online training course with accreditation. It offers travel agents the essential information to understand the various tourism products and services that are available throughout the South Pacific and also assist them to create the kinds of experiences their customer wants.
Feedback received from specialists who have gone through the program highlight the way the training has helped them learn about the Pacific Islands, about what a client can do and expect when visiting; making it easier to sell as a destination.
SPTO is thankful to our partners in Niue who have contributed to making the incentive a success. These include Toamana Leeward Tour, Fishing Charter with Des Sparky Hipa, Buccaneer Adventures Niue Dive, Fish Niue Charters and the Niue Tourism Office.
 

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About SPTO
Established in 1983 as the Tourism Council of the South Pacific, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is the mandated organisation representing Tourism in the region. Its 18 Government members are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and the People’s Republic of China. In addition to government members, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation enlists a private sector membership base.
 
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For more information, contact:
Alisi Lutu, Marketing Manager
South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)
Email: alutu@spto.org or +679 3304177
 
(Source: South Pacific Tourism Organisation [SPTO] Press Release 11 August 2017)