21st May, 2019 TONGAN The Ministry of Tourism hosted their first Whale Swim Guide training here in Tongatapu for the purpose of boosting interest in the Whale Watching Industry. This was a 2 weeks training held at the Ministry of Tourism, Conference Room with 15 participants, 12 of them were Tongans and the rest were foreigners. The Minister for Tourism, Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika, awarded certificates for the completion of this training.
Five main areas covered in this training were Humpback Whale Biology with Dr. Semisi Taumoepeau of the Auckland Institute of Studies, Whale Watching Rules and Regulations with the Ministry of Tourism’s very own Pita Hausia, First Aid with Silongo Fakasi’i’eiki and Sione Tahilua from the Tonga Red Cross, Tour Guide with Lolinda Maue of Nusifaifio Consultancy and the Swimming Component was to be conducted by the late Sam Tatafu, sadly he left us too soon so it was conducted by Filipe Tonga from Vava’u.
This training has always been hosted by the TBEC (Tonga Business Enterprise Centre), but this year, the Ministry of Tourism’s take over this training with the vision to encourage the people of Tonga to work in this industry, through providing of affordable trainings.
With the completion of this training, the Ministry is hoping for a more productive Whale Watching and Swimming industry who will operate according to its rule and regulation, prioritize the safety of tourists and the whales as well as to preserve and sustain this industry for the future generations.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Tourism