9 Aug 2005

Tonga tourism chief hopes Britain and Australia will reconsider travel advisories

7:24 pm on 9 August 2005

The Director of the Tonga Visitors Bureau says while he understands the revised travel advisories released by Britain and Australia, the timing is unfortunate.

Last week, the two countries said the current public servant strike could disrupt some services and advised travellers to avoid demonstrations and public gatherings.

Va'inga Palu says the advice seems fair given the situation.

However, Mr Palu says he hopes the advice is downgraded soon.

"Right now we are in the midst of our busy tourist season. I think it might have some negative effect but it hasn't gone really out to something, wordings to drastic effect. It will depend of course on how one will interpret the wordings but I hope that advice will slowly disappear."

The Director of the Tonga Visitors Bureau, Va'inga Palu.