Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) is pleased to announce that we are sponsoring ten sails for this year's Maskelyne Canoe Festival to be held from the 26–28 July. The sails will be branded with the VTO logo and VTO’s domestic tourism marketing slogan, Sapotem Lokol Turisim.
The handing over of the official letter of sponsorship to the President of the Maskelyne Tourism Association, Mr. Kalo Nathaniel, took place at the Vanuatu Tourism Office last Monday.
"I would like to thank the Vanuatu Tourism Office for supporting our local tourism event. VTO's sponsorship enables us to continue showcasing our Festival and the kastom mo kalja of the Maskelyne Islands", said President, Mr. Kalo Nathaniel.
The Maskelyne Canoe Festival highlights some of the best Vanuatu has to offer, including village feasts, kastom dances, traditional craft and canoe making, and the main event –– the outrigger canoe race. VTO would like to thank the Maskelyne Canoe Association for the opportunity to be a part of this exciting annual event.
Events and festivals such as the Maskelyne Canoe Festival are an important part of Vanuatu’s tourism industry. Research shows that these events, showcasing our unique traditions and culture, are a huge attraction for both the domestic and international tourism markets, as they set Vanuatu apart from competitor destinations.
“Our cultural traditions are part of our Melanesian heritage, and keeping them alive is the best way to preserve them. Our visitors tell us that Vanuatu’s kastom and cultures are the main reason they come to Vanuatu, so we would like to commend you and your fellow association members for your efforts in putting together another festival event this year”, said VTO’s CEO, Adela Issachar Aru at the handover ceremony.
According to CEO Adela Issachar Aru, the Maskelyne Canoe Festival demonstrates the meaning of VTO’s domestic tourism campaign, Sapotem Lokol Turisim, as domestic tourists attending the Festival will bring direct benefits to the communities of Maskelyne and nearby islands, with visitors spending their money on accommodation, restaurants, transport and other businesses in the area during their stay.
VTO encourages everyone to show their support for local tourism by attending this years’ event Maskelyne Canoe Festival, and events like it around the country.