A New Zealand travel specialist has been rewarded for her commitment to promote the South Pacific by winning an 8-day trip to the Kingdom of Tonga.

Ms. Marga Morrissey, Travel Expert of Flight Centre, New Zealand was picked out as winner from 29 other agents who were certified as South Pacific Specialists in the first quarter of 2017, following their successful completion of the online South Pacific Specialist Program.

Originally from New York, Ms. Morrissey is 'super excited' to be headed to Tonga. The trip  will be her first visit to one of the islands she has been promoting since she started her role as a travel specialist a year ago.

“The South Pacific Specialist training has helped me learn so much about the different islands of the Pacific, and I feel much more knowledgeable after completing the training.” Ms. Morrissey said.

“The program has helped me become more confident in my career and excited that I know whichever island I end up sending my clients they are guaranteed to have a fabulous holiday,” she added.

The Program was introduced by SPTO in 2012 as an online training course with accreditation. It offers travel agents the essential information to understand the various tourism products and services that are available throughout the South Pacific and also assist them to create the kinds of experiences their customer wants.

“We have recently seen a surge in the number of travel agents interested in the South Pacific as a destination and as a result there has been an increase in the number of travel agents enrolled in our online accreditation course,” SPTO Chief Executive Officer, Chris Cocker said.

“As a direct result of the program, there are now 525 certified South Pacific Specialist agents across the globe mainly from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, United Kingdom, China, India and United States,” he added. 

The program was funded by the European Union's EDF (European Development Fund) 10 project and SPTO has continued to run this successfully since the end of the funding phase at the end of 2015. There are currently 129 agents enrolled to complete the 15 modules required to become a South Pacific Specialist.  As of last year, SPTO introduced an additional 5 modules targeted at those who wish to develop their knowledge of five niche markets diving, fishing, wedding & honeymoon, Culture & Heritage and Back packing

During Ms. Morrissey's visit she is expected to experience authentic Tonga and its compelling mix of centuries old culture, history and traditions and all it has to offer. Her total prize package includes return airfares, accommodation and cultural tours

SPTO would like to thank the sponsors and partners for supporting this competition by donating prizes; Scenic Hotel, Treasure Island Eueiki Resort, Little Italy Hotel and Tonga Tourism

The winner was chosen from a random draw of entries at the SPTO office by the Manager Finance and Corporate Division Ms. Irma Daphney Stone.