Voice of South Pacific

Samoa experienced a substantial uptick in international arrivals and visitor numbers in July 2024, according to the latest data released by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics on 2 September.

The report highlights a marked increase in the number of arrivals and visitors overall compared to previous months and the same period last year.

In July 2024, Samoa welcomed a total of 24,596 international arrivals. This figure represents an 11.1 per cent increase over the 22,134 arrivals recorded in June 2024 and a 7.5 per cent rise from the 22,875 arrivals documented in July 2023.

This upward trend indicates a robust recovery and growing interest in Samoa as a travel destination.

Of the total arrivals, 19,036 were categorized as visitors, marking a 17.9 per cent increase from June 2024's visitor count of 16,151 and a 10.2 per cent increase from July 2023's tally of 17,267 visitors.

This surge in visitor numbers underscores a positive shift in tourism activity and economic momentum for Samoa's hospitality sector.

Most international travellers to Samoa in July 2024 arrived by air, constituting 93.3 per cent of total arrivals. In contrast, sea travel accounted for 6.7 per cent of the arrivals.

This preference for air travel is reflected in the data, which shows that Air New Zealand led the charge with 10,191 passengers, representing 41.4 per cent of total arrivals. Fiji Airways followed with 5,259 passengers, holding a 21.4 per cent share, while Samoa Airways contributed 9.6 per cent with 2,373 passengers.

Qantas and Talofa Airways also played significant roles, bringing in 2,110 (8.6 per cent) and 1,657 (6.7 per cent) passengers, respectively.

New Zealand remained the top source of visitors, accounting for 45.9 per cent of the total with 8,743 visitors. Australia was the second-largest contributor with 23.9 percent, or 4,554 visitors. The United States of America followed with 10.6 per cent (2,014 visitors), and American Samoa contributed 7.2 per cent, equivalent to 1,370 visitors.

The Oceanic region dominated visitor statistics, contributing 81.2 per cent of the total visitors. Meanwhile, visitors from America made up 10.7 per cent, Asia accounted for 4.2 per cent, and Europe represented the smallest share at 3.6 per cent.

The statistics were derived from immigration arrival and departure card forms completed by travellers at the two main points of entry in Samoa: Faleolo International Airport and Apia Wharf (Matautu Port), with additional data from Fagalii International Airport.
#萨摩亚 #入境 #旅游 #创新高 #经济 #新西兰航空 #斐济航空 #澳洲航空 #航班 #南太平洋

❗️WARNING❗️ Strong Inland Wind Alert for Northern Vanuatu
Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) has issued a strong wind warning this week to four provinces with a caveat to take extra precaution.

TORBA, SANMA, MALAMPA and PENAMA provinces are listed as vulnerable to the impact of the strong winds.

VMGD confirmed the strong South East winds of 40 to 60 KM/hr to the provinces.

People living in these concerned provinces are urged to take extra precautionary measures as strong winds have potential impacts on lives and properties.

VMGD forecasters report that a high-pressure system in the Tasman Sea is driving strong inland winds across Vanuatu’s northern provinces.

The weather phenomenon is expected to continue, potentially impacting local conditions and activities in the affected areas.

The department also confirmed rough seas in all waters of Vanuatu and Southeast winds of 21/30 knots.

“Currently we are expecting rough to very rough seas from 2.5 to 3.0 meters, moderate SE, SW swells with significant swells and rough waves likely to affect coastal areas.”

Fishermen and maritime operators are urged to exercise extreme caution or avoid travelling out in the open waters, VMGD stated.

Seafarers are also urged to consider safety actions as strong winds can produce dangerous waves which are hazardous to small boats.

Public are encouraged to secure loose objects, stay indoors during windy days.

The weather system is expected to affect Vanuatu through mid-week, with conditions gradually improving this weekend.
#瓦努阿图 #警报 #气象 #强风 #灾害 #塔斯曼海 #极端天气 #南太平洋

Qantas to start Brisbane-Port Vila flights on September 10

Qantas’ first direct flights from Australia to Port Vila will commence on Tuesday, the 10th of this month.

The Acting Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV), Mr. Wilfred Makaba, informed the Vanuatu Daily Post that CAAV has approved their Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) following their application.

“We have issued their certificate, which allows them to operate flights to Vanuatu, and we have received their schedule, which indicates they will start on the 10th of this month. They will be flying directly to Vanuatu from Brisbane every Tuesday and Sunday,” he said.

“As for Jetstar, we have received their FAOC application, but we are still processing it. They plan to begin services to Vanuatu once the paperwork is approved, with a projected start date of November 30.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Post was informed of an important development regarding the Qantas Group’s approval to operate flights in and out of Vanuatu. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Qantas Group has only been granted approval for a limited period—specifically for the months of September and October by CAAV.

This raised questions as to whether the new, unidentified investors of AV3 are influencing decisions to limit competition. CAAV responded to these allegations, clarifying that there is no external influence to restrict competition. They stated that Qantas and Jetstar are sister airlines, and Qantas will indeed start servicing Vanuatu on the 10th of this month, continuing as planned.

“Qantas’ approval is for direct flights between Brisbane and Port Vila, while Jetstar is planning direct flights from Sydney to Port Vila. Once they commence operations, they will provide continuous service to Vanuatu,” Mr. Makaba explained.

“It may be true that Qantas will only fly for the next two months, but that decision is theirs. When we approve the FAOC, it is for a 12-month period, renewable after that. It is not limited to just the next two months.”

He added that the only aspect requiring monthly renewal is the flight schedule for all airlines, which is reviewed for safety and compliance, air traffic control coordination, operational changes, slot management, public interest, and consumer protection.
#澳航 #布里斯班 #维拉港 #瓦努阿图 #澳大利亚 #航班

Couldn't afford chicken? Importer in Vanuatu gripes prices increase

Vanuatu chicken importer and Managing Director of Chuan Store Michael Zheng says due to the bird flu in Australia, he is forced to look at New Zealand and Fiji for poultry products.

This alternative supplier comes with a bump in the price tag per kilogram of chicken.

What was once VT950 - VT980 per 2kg is now being sold per 1kg for VT750 - VT800, equating to nearly VT1600 for 2 kilograms of chicken. (Photo by Hybrid Storytellers on Unsplash)
#南太平洋 #瓦努阿图 #澳大利亚 #禽流感

“I work 18 hours a day”: PNG leader swipes left to criticism he plays games on his mobile during meetings

The prime minister of Papua New Guinea has shot down criticism that he uses his mobile phone to "play games" during official meetings. James Marape said on Sep 2 his office is in contact with him "all the time" and he is "not doing something else". "When issues are being discussed at the forum, I compare my notes using my mobile phone. I work 18 hours a day except Sabbath and my mobile phone is my office.”
#南太平洋 #游戏

Realistic version “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” came to Fiji

Known as “the female W***y Wonka” and Singapore’s “dessert queen”, Janice Wong’s edible art recently starred in programmes at two Marriott resorts in Fiji. Wong was able to incorporate local ingredients such as sea salt from Fijian brand South Seas Salt, and local lemongrass, into her desserts.

Her art walls at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort and the Marriott Momi Bay were made with locally sourced chocolate and featured bonbon lollipops in three flavours: tamarind lemongrass, salted cashew and caramel, and praline pop rocks.
As for the splashes of chocolate paint on the walls, Wong says she takes inspiration for her pieces from where they are displayed; the walls at the Fiji properties were covered in blue and turquoise to represent the ocean.

The Fish Bar at the Marriott will be serving Wong’s Momi Garden dessert – featuring ingredients grown on the resort’s farm – until the end of November.
#南太平洋 #斐济 #巧克力 #甜点

"Help us": Guam's nuclear radiation survivors’ plea to the United States

In the Marshall Islands, between 1946 and 1958 the United States detonated 67 nuclear tests and the brutal impacts are being felt today. The radiation spread to the US Pacific territory of Guam and while Washington settled a compensation deal with the Marshallese, Guam survivors have never been acknowledged or compensated.

As one of the remaining cancer survivors, Linda Perez has won the battle against cancer twice. But her family and extended family, did not make it. "My sister passed from ovarian cancer. I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. The last two years I was diagnosed with colon cancer," Linda said.
#南太平洋 #美国 #癌 #癌症 #核 #辐射

Visitors from several Pacific Island territories will soon have to pay NZ$100 - around US$60 - to visit Aotearoa New Zealand.

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) was introduced in 2019, with funds raised to go toward maintaining public services and tourism sites. This fee is now due to almost triple - from NZ$35 to NZ$100 from October.

Australian citizens and permanent residents and most Pacific island citizens are exempt. But some do need to pay, including those coming from French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. New Zealand's Asian community is among those disappointed by the government's decision.
#南太平洋 #新西兰 #新西兰旅游 #旅游 #澳大利亚 #澳大利亚旅游

On Aug 30, twenty-four-year-old Manshika Prasad was announced Miss Universe Fiji at a gala event in Pacific Harbour, marking Fiji's return to the global stage after four decades.

However, in a statement on Sep 2, Miss Universe Fiji said the judges had "incorrectly awarded the wrong winner at the Gala Top Ten finalists" event held at the Pearl Resort. The "actual winner", they said, was the runner up on the night, Nadine Roberts.

However, in another media statement on Sep 2, Grant Dwyer, who is the contracted organiser of the event, doubled down that Prasad is the "official winner".
#南太平洋 #斐济 #环球小姐 #世界小姐

China is open to the idea of direct flights between Fiji and China to facilitate better trade and exchanges between the two countries.

This has been highlighted by the Chinese Ambassador Zhou Jian. Jian believes that in the future more Chinese tourists will come here for honeymoon, for anniversary, for big event, and even the cruise. He adds that this will also help generate more investment opportunities that Fiji can benefit from in the long term.
#南太平洋 ✈️ ✈️ #旅游

An electrical engineering student at the National University of Samoa, Christian Tamiano made a project called the 'Door Alarm'. He hopes that in the next five or 10 years he will see that this project is put to good use.

The door alarm project worked and some college students were quite fond of it. Every time they open the door the alarm sound comes on.
#南太平洋 #萨摩亚 #大学 #大学生 #警报

A strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake has struck Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea, with strong shaking felt across the area, according to seismologists. The earthquake, which struck at 7:13 a.m. local time on Sept 2, was centered near Tokuaka on the southern coast of the island, about 178 kilometers (111 miles) southeast of Buka.

An estimated 32,000 people live within 30 kilometers (18 miles) of the epicenter, according to the United Nations. Computer models from the USGS estimate that up to 366,000 people could have felt the earthquake, including 71,000 people who may have experienced “strong” shaking.
#南太平洋 #地震 #巴布亚新几内亚

Providing adequate healthcare is an ongoing challenge for many Pacific Island nations, including Tonga. Resources and specialist doctors are often in short supply. But an innovative partnership with China is helping Tonga deliver better healthcare to its people. Greg Navarro has more.

Chinese doctor Wang Meng is currently the only psychiatric doctor working in Tonga's only psychiatric facility. He's not only seeing patients, many of whom suffer from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder , but he's also helping train the staff members.

The current team from China, which includes doctors specialising in orthopedics, pathology and gynaecology, will spend the next year volunteering their time and skills in Tonga.
#南太平洋 #中国 #中国人 #汤加 #医疗 #医生

Liquidators of Air Vanuatu (Operations) Limited (in Liquidation) confirmed that the airline will commence scheduled charter flights to six additional ports from 2 September 2024, using its DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.

The new routes will include services to the following ports: Longana (LOD), Lonorore (LNE), Norsup (NUS), Craig Cove (CCV), Lamap (LPM), and Maewo (MWF). This expansion follows the introduction of two daily scheduled charter flights for the Company’s ATR 72-600 (“ATR”) aircraft, which began on 26 August 2024, between Port Vila (VLI) and Santo (SON), and between Port Vila and Tanna (TAH).

Travellers can access the full scheduled charter flight timetable by visiting the Air Vanuatu website at www.airvanuatu.com/plan-and-book/flight-schedules.
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Vanuatu
#南太平洋 #瓦努阿图

Part of China’s top traditional medicine doctors return to Beijing on Aug 29 after a very successful free medical consultation and traditional treatment operation in Port Moresby for a week. More than 500 Papua New Guineans have turned up for this consultation and they are very grateful to these Chinese doctors.

The head of PNG Rural Medical Association Jack Liu said there are now plans to have more visits by these doctors to PNG. “Chinese medicine focuses on diseases prevention, treats patients organically, human friendly, no second hurt to human body, unlike western medicine, diabetic foot would amputate, worse than diabetes medicine treatment!”
#南太平洋 #中医 #中医学 #中医养生 #中国 #中国人 #北京 #医生 #糖尿病 #糖尿病足

Air Niugini will continue to provide connectivity to the Tomodachi International Airport in Nadzab Morobe, from Port Moresby.
In a statement by Chief Executive Garry Seddon in light of the collapse of a bridge in Yalu, Morobe, the company confirmed that flights will continue as scheduled. Mr Seddon said Air Niugini will continue to provide the service while it is still safe to do so.
He advised that passengers travels can be deferred and rebooked with no penalties and fees to be charged.
#南太平洋 #航班 #航班延誤 #航班查詢 #时刻表

The People’s Republic of China will offer some 150 scholarships to Solomon Islands’ students over the next five years, starting next year.

At the same time, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Honiara, Ding Yonghua has revealed that the bilateral relations between China and Solomon Islands “has become a leading model for the relations between China and other Pacific Island countries”.

“There are two old Chinese sayings: ‘Seeing is believing’ and ‘It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books’. To study in China, you need to travel an even longer distance, which can be full of interests. In a few days, you will embark on that journey, I wish you a safe trip and an enjoyable stay there.” He said.
#南太平洋 #所罗门群岛 #留学生 #留学生活 #奖学金

The Pacific Islands are on the brink of an environmental and socioeconomic crisis as they confront the devastating impacts of accelerating sea level rise, ocean warming, and acidification. The United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres on Aug 27 has issued "an SOS on sea level rise", warning that "surging seas are coming for all of us".
Since 1993, sea levels in much of the western tropical Pacific have risen by 10-15 centimeters, nearly twice the global rate. This alarming trend has led to a dramatic increase in coastal flooding events, with some islands experiencing floods dozens of times more frequently than in the past.
Guterres pointed to the primary culprit: greenhouse gases generated by the burning of fossil fuels.“If we save the Pacific, we also save ourselves.” said Guterres.
#南太平洋 #环保 #联合国 #灾难

During his visit to China, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met with Fijian students studying in various universities across China. Rabuka thanked the Government of the Peoples Republic of China for its ongoing support in the education of Fijian students. Since 1996, about 300 Fijian students have received Chinese government scholarships to study in China.

International student 路加, studied clinical medicine at Jinzhou Medical University: I can speak fluent Northeastern dialect. I like Chinese food, such as braised chicken, Spicy Hot Pot, especially hot pot. It's very convenient to order takeout in China. And I think the flower sea in rural China is as beautiful as the sea in my hometown.

International student 塞瓦拉瓦, studied veterinary medicine in Nanjing: Chinese people are very hardworking. They always feel that they have something to do and learn. They don't waste any time. They are full of creativity, ideas and ability. This is one of the reasons why I like them.

International student 伊芙琳: Although I have seen snow before, I have never played with it. My first time playing snow was in China, it was really fun.

International student 库马尔, studied Crop Genetics and Breedingat the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences: I have always been involved in the agricultural field from my childhood days. I knew I wanted to contribute to the industry with advanced agricultural practice. I must acknowledge that this was all possible through assistance from my Professor and lab membersin China. Being the first Fijian to return home with the PhD in Crop Genetics and Breeding would be a significant achievement.

#南太平洋 #斐济 #中国 #中国美食 #留学生 #留学生活 🍲 #中国人 #雪 #农业

The China Medical Team (CMT) has made substantial strides in advancing anesthesia techniques, contributing greatly to the development of the local healthcare system in Vanuatu.

Dr Lili Wu, an expert anesthesiologist with the team, has introduced a series of innovative anesthesia technologies that provide safer, less painful, and more comfortable options for local patients, while also reducing perioperative complications.

To support these advancements, the CMT has donated essential medical equipment, including ultrasound machines, video laryngeal masks, and video laryngoscopes.
#南太平洋 #中国 #医疗

“I encourage you, embrace the Chinese culture. It gives you a different perception in life, and you will certainly appreciate the perception that it gives you. China is not only home to China. China is home to the world,” Dehamenda Kolaip Sanga, a Papua New Guinean alumni who has been studied in China, said recently.

“You can learn in the various sectors of society in China. Whether you’re traveling to rural China, to a village, and you see this farming village and they’ve got technology there that could change sweet potato into noodles, or cacao into cacao noodles. Or whether you’re in metropolitan Shanghai where everything is cashless and you are using your Alipay or all that WeChat Pay system, it’s all Wi-Fi and it’s all cashless.”
#巴新 #南太平洋 #中国 #留学生

Solomon Airlines has released a new international schedule effective from 16th September, 2024 with improved connections between Solomon Islands and key international destinations, to better meet demand from leisure and business travellers.

Munda Services
Brisbane to Munda direct flights will operate on Fridays.

Auckland Services
Honiara-Vila-Auckland services will operate on Fridays.
Auckland-Vila-Honiara services will operate on Saturdays.
Honiara–Santo–Vila–Auckland services will operate on Mondays.
Auckland–Vila–Santo–Honiara services will operate on Tuesdays.

Santo Services
Brisbane-Santo-Vila-Brisbane services will operate on Thursdays.
#所罗门群岛 #航空 #航班 #时刻表 #澳大利亚 #新西兰 #瓦努阿图 #南太平洋

Workers at a school in Solomon Islands capital Honiara discovered more than 200 unexploded second world war shells as they “dug a hole for sewage”, police said. The school suspended classes for several days

On Aug 20, Inspector Clifford Tunuki said the long-hidden weapons cache had been ferried away to a safe location and was now “waiting for safe destruction”.

At the height of the second world war, thousands of bombs were dropped on Pacific islands, including Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Palau, many of which failed to explode.
#二战 #所罗门群岛 #所罗门 #学校 #南太平洋

2023 Cook Islands Astrolabe 2 oz Silver Coin was named Best Crown Coin during 2024 Coin of the Year (COTY) Awards ceremony recently.

Celebrating one of the most widely used instruments in ancient times, comes the 2023 Cook Islands Astrolabe 2 oz Silver Coin. The astrolabe was used as far back as 6th century AD. It was originally used to map out the stars and was used to reckon time. Later, it was used by sailors for navigating using the stars. This coin looks great in .999 fine silver with an antique finish.

The obverse side of the coin has several scientific instruments used throughout history including the hourglass, a sundial, and a telescope. To the right of the coin is a small effigy of Elizabeth II. The design is super detailed and you can make out the curls on her head and the lines in her face.
#硬币 #库克群岛

Officially launched across the globe on Aug 20, "Black Myth: Wukong" is a highly-anticipated video game inspired by the ancient Chinese tale "Journey to the West", one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature. This release marks a bold foray by Chinese game developers into a market long dominated by Western triple-A titles.

According to data on Steam, "Black Myth: Wukong" has amassed over 1.5million concurrent players by 10 pm on Aug 20, topping the "most-played games" list of the platform.

"Black Myth: Wukong" crafts a stunning dreamscape with Chinese scenery, featuring desolate mountains, ancient roads, pavilions among mountains and water, deserts and ancient temples.The game's production team traveled across China and meticulously scanned ancient buildings and relics. It incorporated the creations and historical relics into every scene of the game.
#孙悟空 #悟空

惊叹+狂做笔记！他的中国行去了小乡村，也看了高科技
8月12日-21日，斐济总理兰布卡访华10天。第一站他先到了中国云南省，参观了位于文山壮族苗族自治州的麻栗坡县。在这个小乡村，兰布卡看到了什么，让他狂做笔记？
他还去了中国福建省，去看了宁德时代，一家电动汽车电池制造商。是什么让他如此惊叹？兰布卡对斐中两国的合作寄予厚望，他说斐济一直致力于减少对化石燃料的依赖，去年斐济已购买了一批比亚迪电动汽车，并为购买电动汽车的个人提供1万美元的补贴，斐中之间的合作将解答我们遇到的问题。

兰布卡的下一站将会去哪呢？

"Amazing! I take a lot of notes!" His trip to China went to small villages and also surprised by Chinese high technologies……

From August 12 to 21, Prime Minister Rabuka visited China for 10 days. His first stop was in China's Yunnan Province, where he visited Malipo County in the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. What did Rabuka see in this small village that made him take notes crazily?

He also visited China's Fujian province to see CATL, a manufacture of electric car batteries. What made him so amazed?

Rabuka expressed high hopes for the cooperation between Fiji and China, saying that Fiji has been working to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and last year Fiji has purchased a batch of BYD electric vehicles and offered $10,000 subsidies to individuals who buy electric vehicles.

What's his next stop?

#斐济 #斐济总理 #兰布卡 #中国 #云南 #福建 #宁德时代 #电动汽车 #比亚迪

“不用再吃止痛药了！” 49岁的巴布亚新几内亚警察瓦米拉特(PAUL Vamilat)近日表示，他背疼了近一年，幸好中国泌尿科医生冯武兵（Dr Feng Wubing）精确诊断出他的病因是右输尿管梗阻，还立马进行了微创手术，才终于使瓦米拉特重获健康。当地居民纷纷为中国医生的高超技术点赞！（消息来源：巴新《信使邮报》）
PAUL Vamilat, a 49-year-old police officer, had been suffering from back pain for almost a year. Seeking treatment at the hospital a month ago, he was received by Dr Feng Wubing, a urologist and leader of the 13th China Medical Team. Following examinations, it was identified that he had right ureteral obstruction, which leads to pyonephrosis and perinephric infection. After completing the pre-surgery checks and preparations, Dr Feng led the urology team in carrying out the minimally invasive surgery on Mr Vamilat. （Re：Post Courier）
#中国

巴新举重名将巴鲁（Morea Baru）因“撞脸”中国知名喜剧演员宋小宝“爆火”。大家觉得像吗？😆
这是巴鲁第3次参加奥运会，他在举重项目男子61公斤级比赛中创造了个人最好成绩——第5名。他对自己的成绩很满意，并表示还将努力参加下届奥运会。
Competing at the Olympics is a milestone, but finishing in the top five is the icing on the cake. Papua New Guinea lifter and three-time Olympian, Morea Baru, expressed this sentiment after his impressive performance at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Chinese audiences think that Baru and Song Xiaobao look alike. What do you think?
#宋小宝 #奥运会