pacificEyeWitness.org

MEDIA RELEASE

30 November 2009

Auction to benefit Samoan tourism industry

Kiwi holiday hunters are in for a treat when an initiative born out of a longstanding close relationship between House of Travel and the island of Samoa launches today.

With the help of their business partners, House of Travel has put together five fantastic travel experiences to be auctioned off on consecutive days through Trade Me, starting today. All the money raised will be going to the Samoa Tourism Relief Fund (administered by the Samoan Tourism Authority) to help tourism rebuilding and recovery from September’s devastating tsunami.

House of Travel staff and outlets held sausage sizzles, raffles and bucket collections to boost the recovery fund before discussions with the Samoan Tourism Authority resulted in this initiative. The auctions will help the Samoan tourism industry get back on its feet and rebuild many of the beach fales on the South-South Eastern Coast of Upolu Island that were destroyed.

House of Travel PR Manager Jo Wedlock says the company is passionate about supporting and working with the Samoan Government, Samoan Tourism Authority and the Hotel Association to rebuild tourism infrastructure.

“We’ve always had a very close relationship with the island and its people and because we know and work with many of the families who own the beach fales and tourism infrastructure that was destroyed, we want to do as much as we can to support them,” Jo Wedlock says.

The auction items are listed below and can be bid for at http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=3183815

Overnight Bay of Islands cruise

Cruise through many of the 144 Islands which form the Bay of Islands aboard the brand new Fullers Great Sights overnight cruise ship, Ipipiri. Package includes onboard activities, a three course dinner, overnight accommodation in one of 30 deluxe king cabins, and breakfast.

Fiji luxury

Enjoy three nights at The Radisson Resort, the newest five star luxury beachfront resort on Fiji’s Denaru Island. Package includes access to the Radisson’s facilities – water sports, fishing, beach activities, golf, island tours, Harmony Retreat, large lagoon swimming pools, Fiji’s only ‘White Water’ waterslide, dedicated Kids Club and a range of dining & entertainment options.

The big Raro

Experience Rarotonga’s glorious Frangipani season with a seven night South Seas package for two, including a stay at the world’s most beautiful lagoon. Package includes four nights in a Beachfront Suite at the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, three nights accommodation in a Garden Bungalow at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, return Rarotonga to Aitutaki flights, an island dinner for two and his and hers Hydrotherapy & Sauna sessions at SpaPolynesia Aitutaki.

Shangri-la

Take an idyllic break away on a private 109 acre island at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa. The resort has something for everyone – golf, water sports, three pools, swimming and snorkelling, beachside bars, and a “The Little Chiefs Club”. Your package includes three nights accommodation for two in a lagoon view room with buffet breakfast for two.

Malolo

Escape to Fiji’s Malolo Island, an idyllic paradise where you can relax amongst golden sandy beaches, abundant coral reefs, swaying coconut palms and azure seas. The Malolo Island Resort is 100 owned by a local Fijian family and offers warm hospitality and an authentic culture. Package includes seven nights in a beachside bure and return transfers.

Terms and conditions apply to all packages. Please see the House of Travel – Support Samoa Relief Store on Trade Me for details.