The recent coronation of His Majesty King Tupou IV of Tonga united Tongans across the globe as the nation and its diaspora celebrated ancient traditional rites accorded to the South Pacific’s last remaining monarch.
Tongan Tourism Authority (TTA) Acting General Manager Owen Pau said the coronation emphasized Tonga’s cultural heritage and the love the people have for their country and their monarchy.
“It was exciting for the locals to be able to witness another coronation so close from the last one. Every village and district prepared for the coronation and cleaned up their villages. I give credit to the Royal Family, especially the Princess who really enjoyed her time with her people”, he said.
“Leading up to the coronation she was really hands on with the people and to make sure that Tonga was looking at her best when the people arrived for the coronation”, he added.
He said Tonga achieved a large number of visitor arrivals with an estimated 10,000 visitors arriving in Nuku’alofa between the weeks of the coronation.
“Two weeks prior to the coronation you’d be lucky to get a seat out of New Zealand to Tonga and Air New Zealand recognized the demand and added extra flights during those weeks”, he continued.
“We were very fortunate as our Tongan diaspora did a lot of marketing and promotion for Tonga overseas during the coronation and we were very pleased with the large number of visitors that came to witness this historical event”, he added.
“The true essence of Tongan culture came to the fore during the celebrations with the influx of visitors where some of our people gave up their homes for the families and friends who came from overseas to stay. This act of caring and sharing, coupled with strong family and traditional values are what brings people to Tonga”, he concluded.
South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Chief Executive Ilisoni Vuidreketi congratulated the Tongan Tourism Authority and the people of Tongan for what has been deemed a truly significant, historical and cultural event for the whole of the South Pacific.
“The efforts of the people of Tonga during the coronation is truly commendable. Tongans the world over united to celebrate in their rich cultural heritage and showcased to the world the best that Tongan culture and tradition has to offer. The islands of the Pacific are the better for your efforts because you displayed to the world how we value and celebrate our cultures and traditions in this part of the world and for this we congratulate you”, he stated.