Whale watching

But a lot more needs to be done so that locals can benefit more while whales also need to be protected so that they can continue to keep coming back to our waters.

Two respected personnel in the tourism and whale watching industry made the comments while speaking at the 'Whales in a Changing Ocean' conference at the Tanoa Dateline International Hotel Tonga.

The seven-night tour, starting on 23 August, includes five guided days on the water taking in humpback whales and their young.

Guests have a chance to snorkel in coral reefs, relax on beaches and get a taste of Tongan culture. Bush walking, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving and cycling are also available during two leisure days.

Tonga has been listed among the world's best sites for responsible whale watching by the Whale Heritage Sites initiative.

Allan Bowe, Tonga's first licensed whale watching operator and who pioneered the industry in Tonga in 1993, says he's delighted at the announcement.

Mr Bowe says most whale-watching operators provide employment in the villages by hiring Tongan skippers and crews.

He says the industry not only helps support whale conservation in Tonga but it has also become a big contributor to the local economy.