REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Event Organizers / Coordinators (Individual or Group)
Ministry of Tourism - Tonga Event Programme
The Ministry of Tourism, under the under the Tonga Tourism Support Program (TTSP) funded by the New Zealand Government, is extending an invitation for any individual or group (Event Organizers) to apply for funding support for events which meet specific qualifying criteria.
We are seeking initial expressions of interest only at this stage (event ideas and concepts) for further discussion. Selected shortlisted events will be asked to formally apply for funding support later, only after the initial concept has been assessed against qualifying criteria.
The Tonga Event Programme is designed primarily to encourage the development of an annual calendar of high profile events which are unique to Tonga, and which attract additional international visitors here in the shoulder and off-season. Events should be or have the potential to be ongoing annual events. One-off events may be considered, but are not high priority for this programme.
Events which may qualify must meet the following criteria:
ñ All events must operate within Tonga (Ha'apai, Vava'u, Eua, Tongatapu or the Niuas)
ñ Events should target visitors from those countries who have real potential to travel to Tonga for events
ñ Events must be unique, and ideally reinforce Tonga's culture and tourism brand values
ñ Events must be ‘off-season', to stimulate incremental visitors to Tonga
ñ All events must be in accordance with the Events Guidelines and Principles*
The Ministry of Tourism now invites eligible individuals or groups to provide event ideas and concepts as an Expression of Interest. The information required is an overall description of the event, details of timing, event management and / or organizational structure and personnel involved and a draft budget including sponsorship ideas.
Expression of Interest, including brief concept details as outlined above should be delivered to the address below by 4: 00pm, 10th of February, 2011. Email submissions will be accepted in Low Resolution files (each) up to 2 MB only. Expression of Interest should be clearly marked " Expression of Interest for Event Support - Tonga Event Programme"
* available in print copy at the Ministry of Tourism Office in Nuku'alofa and can also be requested to be sent via email
