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Tourism

1.1 Visa/ Entry Requirements

Most countries’ citizens are granted a 31-day visitors’ visa on arrival and need a passport with at least six months validity and an onward ticket. One month extensions are granted for up to six months for T$69 per month.

1.2 Currency/ Currency Conversions

The Tongan currency is called the Tongan Pa’anga, the current exchange rate is 1 Tongan Pa’anga is equal to 0.46 US Dollars.

1.3 Key Tourism Niche Markets

The most common niche tourism markets are the same for most south pacific islands, including whale-watching, cave diving, water sports, and destination weddings. In 2017, Tonga’s government doubled the spending for their tourism sector to bring in more international visitors.

1.4 Level of Tourism Development

The Tongan Tourism Authority (TTA), established in 2013, is expected to positively boost travel and tourism in Tonga. The TTA is responsible for designing and implementing the promotion of Tonga as a travel and tourism destination with the aim of raising awareness in key source markets. The formation of the TTA is part of the Government’s increased focus on building the country’s tourism industry, which is Tonga’s largest revenue earner. Tonga has a full spectrum of hotels, resorts, villas, and AirBnb’s available to tourists as well as spas, restaurants, excursions, tours, monuments, and beaches. Tonga is becoming a very popular cruise destination, and whale watching remains the most dominant attraction for tourists.

1.5 Transportation Options

In 2002, Tonga had 680 km (423 mi) of roadways, of which about one quarter were paved. There are no bridges in Tonga, but three islands in the Vava’u group are connected by two causeways. Nuku’alofa and Neiafu are the ports of entry for overseas vessels. The Warner Pacific Line still maintains scheduled service from Australia and New Zealand to Tonga where cargo ships make deliveries. Fua’Amotu International at Tongatapu is Tonga’s principal airport which operates Air Pacific, Air New Zealand, Polynesian Airlines, and Hawaiian Air.

1.6 Attractions

1.6.1 Primary Attractions

Some of the most popular attractions in Tonga are the Mapua’a Vaea Blowholes, one of the oldest active blowholes in the country, the Anahulu Caves, a naturally black underground freshwater pool for swimming, Ha’atafu Beach, voted by the locals as the Best Beach on the Island, Ha'amonga A Maui, an ancient Trililithon monument dedicated to the Unity of the Tongan people, the Free Church of Tonga, St Joseph’s Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Tonga, and the Royal Palace, home of the royal family and one of the island's most elaborate buildings.

1.6.2 Secondary Attractions

Secondary attractions include the Ene’io Botanical Garden, the first botanical garden in Tonga, the Royal Tombs of Nuku’alofa, the burial sight of all royals since 1893, the Nuku’alofa LDS Temple, the 25th Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Centenary Church, the main venue for the State religion of Tonga the Free Weslyeans, and the Talamahu Marke, the main fresh-produce hub of the island.

1.7 Weather/Climate Concerns

The climate of Tonga is basically subtropical. Because the islands are in the southeast trade wind area, the climate is cooler from May to December. The average temperature is 73 degrees fahrenheit but that does fluctuate up to 20 degrees in a day. The mean relative humidity is 80%, so if tourists are not used to humid climates they may be in for a shock upon arrival.

1.8 Safety/Security Concerns

The legal drinking and smoking age in Tonga is 18, but this is not enforced in the outer villages where smoking and drinking is prevalent among young people. One can also buy alcohol or cigarettes at any age from most stores, so tourists should take caution in the outer villages around young people in large groups. Being drunk in public is against the law; however, if a police officer sees you stumbling around they will take you to “sleep it off” in the local jail. In addition, women should not go out alone, not for the safety issues but for the implication that she is doing something promiscuous.

1.9 Environmental Concerns

Agricultural activities in Tonga are exhausting the fertility of the soil. The forest area is declining because of land clearing and attempts at reforestation have had limited success. Water pollution is also a significant problem due to salinization, sewage, and toxic chemicals from farming activities. The impurity of the water supply contributes to the spread of disease. The nation is also very vulnerable to cyclones, flooding, earthquakes, and drought.

1.10 Socio-Cultural Concerns and Norms

Cash is the most useful form of completing transactions in Tonga, tourists should plan on taking plenty with them as Ha’apai and “Eua do not have ATM’s. There are ATM’s in Tongatapu and Vava’u and local banks do exchange most major currencies for a fee. Credit cards, most commonly MasterCards and Visa s, can be used at most tourist attractions but they do have a 4-5% fee for charging a card. Tongans don’t expect tips will graciously accept them for good service.