Image/text by John Nicholls, whl.travel local connection in Vanuatu
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Every so often, a photographer finds him- or herself in the right place at the right time, although the circumstances may not be ideal. This shot (one of a series of 10) is the result of such a unique time and place.
Posted under General, Photo of the Week, Vanuatu, countries
This post was written by editor on November 15, 2009
By Ethan Gelber
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John and Silvana Nicholls on a moonscape plain near Mt Yasur volcano, Tanna Island, Vanuatu
On a typical morning, John and Silvana Nicholls share a pawpaw topped with passion fruit from their garden. The handmade, wood-fired bread from an indigenous baker is still warm, as is the pot of organically grown coffee from a nearby island. Any scraps will be disposed of on a compost heap that will fertilise their banana trees. “It’s tough, but someone’s got to do it!” said John.
The Nicholls own and operate Vanuatu Hotels, the most comprehensive online accommodation booking facility – also the whl.travel local connection – in this island nation in the South Pacific. Running a business unaffiliated with any hotel, resort or tourism company, the Nicholls got where they are today by putting in the long, hard hours required to build expertise and a reputation for integrity and reliability. But they also found their way into a golden opportunity and have capitalized on it fully.
Fortunately for the people and nature of Vanuatu, the Nicholls’ also promote culturally and ecologically sensitive travel out of profound respect for their adopted land and its indigenous inhabitants.
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Posted under General, Vanuatu, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter
This post was written by editor on November 10, 2009
By John Nicholls
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Every so often, I have the pleasure of meeting and working with people who not only follow their passions, but operate businesses that fully integrate the indigenous people of the destination into their businesses. One such person is is Pascal Guillet, owner/operator of Vanuatu Ecotours.
La Colle River is in pristine condition and Pascal is careful to show it with zero footprint, especially along a section that runs through a large private property and to which Pascal has exclusive access for trekking/ kayaking. Here, Pascal has met local Nivan guys along the track making lunch from a caught wild hen.
I chatted with Pascal – no easy task as he is always on the move – to find out what keeps him going.
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Posted under General, Vanuatu, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter
This post was written by editor on November 2, 2009
By Ethan Gelber
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At the July 2009 whl.travel Asia-Pacific Regional conference, Teamworkz Consulting was officially recognised as the whl.travel Franchisee of the Year 2008-2009 for its work in Vientiane, Laos. Teamworkz, which also owns and operates five other sites in Laos and seven in Thailand, could just as easily have earned its laurels for its labours in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, both also in Laos.
Teamworkz Consulting accepting its accolades as Franchisee of the Year 2008-2009 at the whl.travel Asia Pacific regional conference. Left to right are: Rob Shortland, whl.travel Asia Pacific Regional Director; Anne Done, Lee Sheridan and Mouk of Teamworkz; Len Cordiner, CEO of WHL Group
Posted under General, Laos, Thailand, Turkey, Vanuatu, awards, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel news, whl.travel news, whl.travel newsletter
This post was written by editor on October 8, 2009
The coconut crab can weigh over five kilograms and measures one metre from claw to claw when fully grown
In April 2001, John and Silvana Nicholls, today owners and operators of Vanuatu Hotels, arrived in Vanuatu to launch and manage the new White Grass Ocean Resort on the island of Tanna. It was their intention to ensure that it would operate according to strict environmental guidelines, so they immediately declared it a bird sanctuary, protecting fowl from the indigenous practice of hunting and eating them. Although a parallel ‘turtle emergency rescue’ program of buying turtles captured by locals as a step in saving them from the cooking pot unfortunately had to be discontinued as it created a new industry – the
capture of released turtles in order to sell them back – the resort nevertheless became the island’s de facto animal refuge, even providing veterinary assistance when need.
Posted under General, Vanuatu, countries, responsible organisations
This post was written by editor on July 30, 2009
On 8 December 2008, under a marquee on a beach at Le Lagon Resort in Port Vila, the Vanuatu Tourism Association (VTA) distributed honours to the stars of its industry. On hand were John and Silvana Nicholls of Vanuatu Hotels to present to Epi Guesthouse the Green Award, introduced to create a greater more serious awareness of and engagement in the issues of environmental and cultural protection in tourism.
The Epi Guesthouse, a welcome home
Posted under General, Vanuatu, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter
This post was written by editor on January 25, 2009
