COOL6

Sixth International Conference on Oceanic Linguistics

Emalus Campus, University of the South Pacific

Port Vila, Vanuatu

4 – 9 July, 2004

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

(prepared by Robert Early)

[SEE BELOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON BANKING AS WELL]

In the First Circular, we noted that accommodation in Vila varies from the reasonably luxurious (and expensive) to the spartan, with a reasonable middle range. We still hold the view that especially for those travelling from Australia and New Zealand, travel agents will have a number of package deals which would probably prove more economical than booking airfares and accommodation separately. Most package tours offer a range of hotels at different prices, and there is also a list of hotels on the National Tourism Office website (http://www.vanuatutourism.com/VilaAccommodation.htm).

Some conference participants in Australia have already made contact with a travel agency which has been sending people to Vanuatu for many years, and which we have had excellent service from previously. This agency is offering a good package tour deal including airfares and accommodation at the Melanesian, so check them out:

WELL CONNECTED TRAVEL & TOURS Pty Ltd.
Specialists in South Pacific Travel and involved in the industry since 1980.
Contact: Barry Poole or Julia Stephens
Suite 3, 11-13 The Centre, Forestville, NSW, Australia 2087
Tel: 61 2 9975 2355 Fax: 61 2 9451 6446
www.wctravel.com.au

Email: info@wctravel.com.au

All the major hotels and resorts in the Port Vila area provide ready access via public transport to the conference venue on the USP Emalus Campus, using buses (100 vatu per ride, pick up on road side and drop off at your specified location) or taxis (200-300 per ride). We also give approximate walking distance times for those that are located closer to the conference venue. There are several places at varying distances outside of Port Vila for which transport is not so convenient, and these include Blue Water Resort, Whitesands Golf and Country Club, Tamanu Beach Resort, Benjor Resort, and Hideaway Island.

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INTERNATIONAL HOTELS

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The three major international level resorts are the Meridien, the Le Lagon, and the Iririki Island hotels. Of these, the Meridien is within just a reasonable 10-minute walk from the campus. Another of these resorts, Iririki, and the mid-range Erakor Island Resort, are located on small islands but are still easy to access, especially Iririki for which the landing is just a few minutes walk from town. However, both these locations (as well as the out-of-town Hideway Island) involve a short ride on a small ferry boat, and should probably be avoided by anyone with mobility concerns. Rack rates at these hotels are international level, but these locations are still a good possibility when included as part of a package tour deal.

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MIDRANGE HOTELS

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In the mid-range level the two main options are the Melanesian Hotel, and the Kaiviti Hotel. These two facilities are popular with travellers wishing to balance cost with a reasonable standard of quality.

The Melanesian has offered us a group rate for any conference bookings, which is 10,500 vatu per room per night for single or twin/double occupancy, and includes a daily continental buffet breakfast. Special meal prices also apply, e.g. three course dinner for 2000 vatu per person.

Contact: Joseph Baldwin at reservations@melanesian.com.vu, or phone +678 22150, fax +678 22678

The Kaiviti regularly gives a special rate for USP associated people, and this will be available to conference participants. It is 7500 vatu per night for single or twin/double occupancy, with no other specials. There is no restaurant at this hotel, but it is right next door to the Melanesian and of course both hotels are within a short walking distance to Port Vila town.

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BUDGET OPTIONS

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Within the student accommodation area of the USP Emalus Campus there are a couple of self-contained guest rooms (3500 vatu per night), and as well, there are rooms usually available in the student accommodation wings (2500 vatu per night). Simple fixed-menu food is available at the student dining hall for 300 vatu per meal.

Contact: Steven Garae (Student Welfare Services) at garae_s@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj

There are also a couple of nice motels which are close to the campus: Vila Hibiscus Motel (15 minute walk), and Holiday Motel (10 minute walk). Hibiscus Motel offers self-contained flats and rooms which can accommodate up to 6 people, with costs beginning at 1800 per person per night up to 4500 per person per night, depending on the number of people in the room and whether facilities are private or shared.

Contact: http://www.vanuatutourism.com/site_b/hibiscus_motel.htm, or email vilahibiscusmotel@vanuatu.com.vu

Contact: holidaymotel@mail.com

Please remember that what we mentioned here is only a selection of the wide range of options available. Check out the http://www.vanuatutourism.com/VilaAccommodation.htm webpage for a more extensive listing, and also for further details on any of those mentioned above.

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BANKING INFORMATION
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- There is a currency exchange service which operates at the international airport for all international flights.

- A full-range of banking services are available at the main trading banks (ANZ, Westpac and National Bank of Vanuatu) during banking hours (9am - 3:30pm, Monday - Friday).

- There are very few limitations on the amounts of any kind of currency which can be brought into or taken out of Vanuatu.

- There are a number of cash exchange services in town (Goodies', Western Union) which offer slightly better rates than the trading banks, and these are open Saturday mornings as well.

- ANZ and Westpac have ATMs in town, where cash advances can be made using overseas Visa cards, Mastercards, or bankcards with the Maestro - Cirrus logo. There is also an ANZ ATM outside the international air terminal, which can be accessed after you have cleared immigration and customs. Generally the service is good, but the machines are a little prone to be "Temporarily Out of Service" or to have run out of cash or receipt forms.

If you have any further queries, we will attempt to assist as able.

John Lynch (lynch_j@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj)

Robert Early (early_r@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj)