Ministry of Tourism

01/09/2026

🐋 Mālō e lelei September! 🇹🇴

Starting the new month with a few friendly faces from our Ministry of Tourism team.

These are just some of our Enforcement Officers you may see out and about during the whale watching season, helping our operators and visitors understand and follow Tonga’s Whale Watching and Swimming Regulations. Whether its in Tongatapu, Vava'u, 'Eua or Ha'apai our friendly team are here to help.

But we can't do this alone and looking after our whales isn’t just their job, it belongs to all of us. Our operators, guides, visitors and communities all have a part to play in keeping our whales protected, our guests safe and our industry responsible.

So if you see our team down at the wharf or along the docks, come over and say hi or mālō e lelei! 👋🏽 Ask a question, have a little chat, or simply say hi as they’re always happy to help.

After all, we’re the Friendly Islands. 🇹🇴🐋

📌Stay tuned for more Ministry news, industry updates and highlights from key events.

31/08/2026

🐋 Know Before You Go: A gentle reminder this whale watching season. 🇹🇴

As activity in our waters increases, the Ministry of Tourism encourages everyone to play their part in keeping Tonga’s whale watching experience safe, respectful and responsible.

Maintaining the required distances gives our humpback whales especially mothers and calves, the space they need while allowing visitors to enjoy one of Tonga’s most treasured natural experiences.

❗️Know the distance follow the rules and respect our whales.

Together we can help ensure Tonga remains a safe and welcoming sanctuary for these magnificent visitors for generations to come.

☎️ For further information, contact the Ministry of Tourism’s Industry Empowerment – Marine Unit at [email protected] or +676 740 1701 during normal working hours, Monday-Friday.

📌Stay tuned for more Ministry news, industry updates and highlights on key local events around Tonga.

30/08/2026

🇹🇴 As we ease into a new week, the Ministry of Tourism wishes to thank the dedicated men and women of Ha‘apai who joined Pool 2 of our Tour Guide Training last week, and to our trainer Mr. Robert Filo for his continued support and commitment.

❓️Why are these trainings important to us?

Great tour guides add something special to every visitor experience. They bring our Tongan stories, culture and history to life and help visitors experience the warmth and hospitality that make Tonga the Friendly Islands. Whether it’s Tongatapu, Vava‘u, Ha‘apai, ‘Eua or even the two Niuas, a great guide can turn a visit into a lasting memory.

📣 Tongatapu, you’re next!

Registrations open tomorrow, 31 August – 18 September, with training from 21 September – 2 October 2026.

☎️Contact our friendly team either Anaseini Manuopangai, Jessie Moimoi or Talanoa Fifita on +676 740 1701 to secure your spot.

📌Stay tuned for more Ministry news, industry updates or highlights of local news.

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🇹🇴'I he teuaki atu ki he uike fo'ou 'apongipongi na, 'oku 'oatu ‘emau fakamālō loto hounga’ia ki he kāinga mei he Fo’i ‘One’one. Mālō ho’omou kau mai ki he polokalama ako fakataukei ki he taki folau’eve’eva, mo ho’omou Potungāue Takimamata. ‘Oku hounga mo e poupou mo e tokoni ‘a Lopeti Filo ki he langa ngāue ‘oku fai.

‘Oku tānaki mai ‘e he kau taki folau’eve’eva ‘a e a’usia makehe ma’ae kau ‘a’ahi mai ki hotau fonua. ‘Oku nau tala hotau Tonga, hotau ‘ulungaanga fakafonua mo hotau tukufakaholo. ‘Oku ongo’i leva ai ‘e he kau folau’eve’eva ’a e māfana makehe mo e ‘ofa ‘oku tau laukau’aki ‘i he ‘Otu Motu Felenite. Pe ko Tongatapu, Vava‘u, Ha‘apai, ‘Eua pe ko e Ongo Niua, ‘e tokoni ‘a e taki folau’eve’eva ke fakangalongata’a ‘a Tonga ‘i he ngaahi tohi manatu ‘o e kau takimamata.

☎️'Oku fakaafe’i atu kia kimoutolu ‘i Tongatapu ‘oku mou fakakaukau ke kau mai 'i he polokalama ni, ko ho’omou taimi ‘eni! ‘E kamata ‘a e lēsisita ‘i he ‘aho Monite 31 'o 'Ākosi, tāpuni ki he 'aho 18 'o Sepitema. ‘E kamata leva ‘a e ako 'i he 'aho 21 'o 'Aokosi ki he 'aho 2 'o 'Okatopa. Ki ha toe fakaikiiki, kātaki ‘o fetu’utaki ki he ‘Ōfisi 'a e Potungāue 'ki he +676 740 1701 kia ‘Anaseini Manuopangai, pe Jessie Moimoi pe ko Talanoa Fifita ke tokoni atu ki hono lēsisita ho hingoa.

Kau mai Tonga he koe faingamalie lelei eni ke teu'i hotau kakai ke toe manakoa ange 'a Tonga kihe kau folau'eve'eva.

Faka'apa'apa atu,
Potungaue Takimamata

29/08/2026

28/08/2026

🇹🇴🤝 Talanoa with Tonga's Tourism Industry in Vavaʻu.

On Thursday, 27th August, CEO for Tourism, Mrs. Sandradee Fifita, met with tourism operators in Neiafu during her first official visit to Vavaʻu since her appointment.

From accommodation providers and restaurants to tour and whale watching operators, the gathering was an opportunity for open talanoa, to listen, share updates, raise concerns and discuss opportunities for strengthening tourism in Vavaʻu and equally importantly, connect directly with the people who help make Tonga, including Vava'u to be known as the Friendly Islands.

The CEO was joined by the Ministry’s Director of Industry Empowerment, together with Lulutai Airlines and the Tonga Tourism Authority, bringing key partners together to provide updates, clarify matters and respond directly to industry questions. Operators also had the opportunity for one-on-one discussions on individual matters and concerns.

Mālō ʻaupito to our Vavaʻu tourism community for the warm welcome, open conversations and continued partnership.

📌 Stay connected for more official Ministry news, industry updates and highlights from across Tonga.

27/08/2026

🇹🇴 The Ministry of Tourism’s Tour Guide Training is coming to ‘Eua!

📅 7–11 September 2026
📍 Ministry of Tourism Office, ‘Ohonua

Whether you’re a current or aspiring tour guide, come along to learn, connect and strengthen your skills in creating memorable visitor experiences.

✨Register today!

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Hou'eiki mo hotau kainga,

'Oku oatu eni ha fakaafe loto mafana kihe kakai 'ihe Funga Fonua 'oku nau fie kau mai kihe polokalama ako fakataukei kihe folau'eve'eva aia oku 'iloa koe Tour Guide 'a e Potungaue Takimamata.

'Oku 'amanaki ke fakahoko 'a e polokalama ako ko eni 'ihe 'aho Monite ko hono 'aho 7 'o Sepitema kihe 'aho Falaite 'aho 11 'o Sepitema kihe 'ofisi pe 'a e Potungaue Takimamata.

Kia koe 'oku 'iai ha'o manako kihe mala'e ko eni 'o e takimamata pea moe folau'eve'eva vakai na koha faingamalie lelei eni ke ke toe langa hake ho 'ilo mo taukei 'ihe mala'e ko eni.

'Oku ta'etotongi pe makatu'unga 'ihe anga'ofa 'a e Pule'anga Tonga 'i he feinga ke toe manakoa ange 'a Tonga kihe kau folau'eve'eva, pea pehe foki ki hono langa hake 'a e sekitoa mahu'inga ko eni ke faka'ai'ai hotau kakai ke nau ngaue'i pe hotau fonua ko Tonga ma'ae kaha'u 'a e fonua.

📌Kiha toe fakaikiiki mou kataki 'o fetu'utaki mai pe kihe 'Ofisi 'a e Takimamata 'ihe 50399 pe koe 720-0612.

Faka'apa'apa atu,
Potungaue Takimamata

26/08/2026

🐋 DID YOU KNOW? 🇹🇴

The Ministry of Tourism continues to promote safe, responsible whale watching and share facts about the rules protecting our whales, visitors and operators.

And a friendly reminder, we also wish to reassure visitors and the general public that the vessel involved in the recent marine incident was not a registered whale-watching vessel.

Stay informed, know the rules, and help us protect the whales that make Tonga so special. 🌊

📖 Learn more about Tonga’s whale-watching legislation:

🔹 Whale Watching & Swimming Act of Tonga:
https://ago.gov.to/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2008/2008-0022/WhaleWatchingandSwimmingAct_3.pdf

🔹 Whale Watching & Swimming Regulations 2013:
https://ago.gov.to/cms/images/LEGISLATION/SUBORDINATE/2013/2013-0004/WhaleWatchingandSwimmingRegulations2013_3.pdf

📌Stay updated on Ministry news, industry updates and highlights from Tonga right here on our page.

25/08/2026

Promoting Health & Active Living!

Our staff, including our Tourism team, enjoyed a refreshing ‘a’alo session with the Nuku’alofa Outrigger Canoe Club at Touliki,

It was a great opportunity to stay active, strengthen teamwork, enjoy the outdoors, and promote staff health and wellbeing.

A big mālō ‘aupito to everyone who joined and to the Nuku’alofa Outrigger Canoe Club for supporting this initiative!

Healthy staff, stronger teams, better service!

24/08/2026

🐋 Know before you go 🇹🇴

For easy reference, the Ministry of Tourism would like to share the list of licensed Whale Watching and Swimming Operators across our island groups for the 2026 season.

Visitors and members of the public are encouraged to choose a licensed operator and enjoy Tonga’s whale-watching experience safely and responsibly. 💙🐋

Have a question or need more information? Our Industry Empowerment Division-Marine Unit is happy to assist during normal business hours, Monday-Friday:

📧 [email protected]
📞 +676 740 1709 and +676 740 1701

The Ministry is here to help you stay informed and make the most of a safe, responsible and memorable whale-watching experience in the Kingdom of Tonga. 🐋

📌Stay informed with Ministry news, industry updates and local information.

24/08/2026

📢 OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

The Ministry of Tourism has issued an official statement following the marine incident reported on Friday, 21 August 2026 in Tongatapu.

The statement provides important clarification regarding the incident and Tonga’s licensed Whale Watching and Swimming operations.

We encourage the public, visitors and tourism industry stakeholders to read the full official statement below and refer to verified information from the relevant authorities.

The Ministry remains committed to visitor safety, industry compliance and responsible tourism practices across the whole of Tonga.

🇹🇴 Follow the Ministry of Tourism for official notices, industry updates and tourism information.