Vanuatu participates in National Geographic Challenge

John MASEIRAS, a well known name in the tourism industry through JAM Tourism Consultancy Services, and a prominent Media and Communications officer at the University of the South Pacific School of Law on Port Vila, is contesting with hundreds of others from around the world in the National Geographic-Ashoka's-Changemakers Geotourism Challenge which will launch on January 30th, 2008. The competition is to write an article defined by National Geographic as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place: its environment, heritage, culture, aesthetics, and the well-being of its residents. All nominees will receive a personal email inviting them to enter the Challenge where they will be eligible to win a week’s travel including airfares, accommodation and spending money, anywhere in the world where World Hotel Link Travel operates as a prize. The criteria is based on understanding of the term Geotourism and what innovation in travel/tourism means; authenticity; local color in one's story of a particular place or project; and clarity. John has composed a valuable piece on Lelepa Island Day Tours (read below), frequently commented on as one of the best tour product in Vanuatu that is genuine, authentic and the experience wins a place in the hearts of many tourists. To top off, Lelepa Island Day Tours achieved 2 awards at the VHRA (Vanuatu Hotel and Resort Association) Awards Night in mid December of last year as the Best Cultural Scenic Tour, and winner for the Green Award sponsored by the South Pacific Tourism Organization. The Vanuatu Tourism industry wishes Mr. Maseiras & Lelepa Island Day Tours the very best of luck and every success in the competition! PROJECT NOMINATION Lelepa Island Day Tours , Port Vila , VANUATU PROJECT DESCRIPTION (150 Words) Lelepa Island is set in 160 acres of unspoiled tropical rainforest and palm fringed beaches, this tour provides the opportunity to appreciate the diverse beauty and culture of Vanuatu . For adventurer travelers and families who would like to hunt for a dozen of activities to partake in just a day, this wilderness has it all. You may choose your own theme; it can be an expedition of fun, adventure, romantic escape or simply just toes in the sand and relax away or perhaps feet up on a hammock as you unwind. Activities includes cave exploration with ancient handprints, drawing, nature walk and learn about native medicinal herbs, snorkeling, fish feeding, village visit where artefacts can be purchased as souvenirs and see our dolphin friends flip tails and dance in mid air for you. This outing departs daily except on Saturdays. The trip includes: return transfers; barbecue lunch, soft drinks; snorkeling gear; morning and afternoon refreshments.  MY STORY (200 Words) A very interesting tour, to see the way Islanders live; the hospitality was overwhelming. Lelepa Island Day Tour has exhibited the fine artwork of the villagers from hand-made weaven products such as baskets, fruit trays including other artefacts to a meaningful nature walk with a local guide who explains the different flora and fauna along with the different uses from medicinal herbs to timber, thatches, ropes etc. It’s a classic example of a best “Eco Adventure” product that connects in well with nature and the local community of Lelepa and tourist interactions that has helped in the drive to reduce poverty growth and also boosted the livelihood of the people. An event that is environmentally friendly, and is seen to be a product that takes you to a natural area to appreciate the cultural and natural history of the environment, taking care not to disturb the integrity of the ecosystem, while at the same time creating economic opportunities that make conservation and protection of natural resources advantageous to the local community of Lelepa people. This tour brings you closer to nature which is why, their slogan reads: “So many people call it paradise, but we call it home” You can contact John on Telephone +678 27748 , ext. 126 Fax +678 27785 Email Maseiras_j@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj For more details see "The Geotourism challenge" at the bottom of www.vanuatu-hotels.vu home page.