Travel Bug 44

Issue 44 - October 2008

Rhapsody of the Seas cruise ship in Vanuatu

Rhapsody of the Seas arrived in Port Vila harbor exactly a year after its’ maiden visit, last year 23rd October 2007. The cruise ship carries with pride its’ Royal Caribbean International Cruiseliner trademark to all corners of the globe. Prior to arriving in Port Vila, she has visited Sydney, Noumea, Mystery Island, and today Port Vila. Later this afternoon, she will be heading off to Champagne Beach, on Espiritu Santo. Rhapsody of the Seas is expected to stop over again in Port Vila before the end of year. The agent who represents, coordinates & looks after all entry/exit components of the cruise, and supplies Rhapsody’s cruise schedule is Mr Frank Maki from MV Havannah Office in Vila. Frank can be contacted on 7743977, for further enquiries. 

With its dramatic walls of glass and retractable canopy, Rhapsody of the Seas will most definitely make you feel closer to nature. When you're not enjoying the magnificent ocean views, you'll be relaxing in the soothing ShipShape Spa, swimming in one of the two pools, taking a much-needed whirlpool, or catching up over your favorite drink in one of our eight lounges. Facilities on board, 6 Bars & Disco, 3 Restaurants, a Theatre,  Indoor Pools, Cabaret, 6 Whirlpools, Live Music, Libraries, Health Spa, Casino, Gym, Beauty Salon, Kids Club, Occupancy 2435, Tonnage 78491, Length 915, Speed 22, Total Crew 765. (Source: VTO Island Nius October 2008)

Nominations Open for Vanuatu Tourism Awards 2008

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Vanuatu Tourism Awards. Entry and nomination forms can be collected from: Adventures in Paradise, Le Lagon Resort, Moorings Hotel, and VTO. If you wish to enter your tourism business in the awards, you have till Friday 14th November to submit your nomination. The scope of the awards has been broadened this year with the following new categories added: Best Restaurant/Catering Service, Best New Tourism Development, Best Specialist Tourism Service. Operators/Individuals can enter the category they consider best suited to their business. Judges will assess each nomination on its merit with more emphasis in 2008 on the operation rather than the presentation of the nomination itself.

The 2008 Tourism Awards will culminate in a gala dinner to be held at Le Lagon Resort on Saturday 6th December, 2008. Tickets will be available soon from the nomination form distribution outlets listed above. Table bookings will only be accepted so please arrange to celebrate another record year for the Vanuatu Tourism Industry with a group of friends/colleagues and diarise the date now! Committee Members in 2008 are: Bryan Death, Pam Reynolds, Glen Craig, Zeak Smith, Sarah McPhee, Peter Snelson, Linda Kalpoi, Karlo Armanano, Valerie Byrne and Tony Burns. For more information please contact Tourism Awards Chairman, Bryan Death: 5577034. (Source: VTO Island Nius October 2008)

Air Vanuatu Tourism Class for Hospitality Students

The Tourism Students of the Hospitality School are having a practical class in Inbound and Outbound tourism, and Ticketing at the Airport. Air Vanatu has kindly taken them to visit the domestic and International Aircrafts, shown them how to check in customers, and what real customer service is when handling customers on the ground and in inflight service. The Senior Japanese volunteer Mr Nishi who is attached to the Hospitality School, and who was at one time working for Japanese Airlines accompanied the students. (Source: VTO Island Nius October 2008)

Ladies Melbourne Cup Luncheon 4th November at Golf Club

There are a few tables left for the Ladies Melbourne Cup Luncheon to be held on 4th November, 11.15am at the Port Vila Golf and Country Club in the marquee set on their beautiful course, and tickets are selling fast. This is an annual fundraiser supporting Ni Vanuatu Women's and Children's causes. Last years monies have been directed to the ‘Camp GLOW’ project which is to teach young women to be advocates for the healthy development of Ni Vanuatu youth and is implemented by Peace Corps. The committee was also able to assist with funding for a Children’s Literacy program and in this case provided reading material for every Year One Primary Teacher in the English system via EduTrain’s LEFTEMAP project. They have also been able to support the very recent Cervical Cancer Screening program. It is a fun day with Fashions on the Field, Best Hat, Entertainment, Live Music, 3 course luncheon, and a major raffle. Please contact Samantha Johnson at Pacific Lagoon Apartments, Telephone 5553670, for tickets. (Source: VTO Island Nius October 2008)

New Manager Appointed for Le Méridien Port Vila Resort Spa & Casino

A promise of new growth comes with the appointment of Arjun Channa as General manager of Port Vila Resort Spa & Casino, Vanuatu. With an 18-year career in the International Hotel Business, 14 of which with Starwood Hotels and resorts, spanning over 6 Countries, Mr Channa brings with him the wealth of knowledge and international experience to take Le Méridien Port Vila to the “next level”. Most recently Hotel Manager of the famous Sheraton Sanya Resort in Hainan island China, home of "miss World” for three consecutive years, he is all set to work with the local people to promote Vanuatu to the International Community. Recently refurbished, Le Méridien Port Vila Resort Spa & Casino, as part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, will undergo the second stage of the stunning makeover including new bathrooms, a new Children's Club, Day Spa, refurbished Casino and Boutique. The resort will progressively re develop its facilities throughout 2009. 

With postings in countries such as Switzerland, Algeria, United Arab emirates (Abu dhabi and dubai), Jordon, Kenya, China (Beijing and Sanya), he is also fluent in French, Italian and German along with English & Hindi being his mother tongue. Another one of his fitting attributes, which should prove of inestimable value to Le Méridien Port Vila Resort Spa & Casino, is his passion for gourmet cuisine cultivated over many years of experience in Food and Beverage management in some of the world’s most coveted Hotels & Resorts. Mr Channa is a native of India, with an Italian wife and three children, who will join him later this year. Le Meridien Port Vila Resort Spa & Casino is pleased to warmly welcome this dynamic and forward-thinking leader and his family. (Source: VTO Island Nius October 2008)

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