With long haul travel no longer such an attractive option for Australian and New Zealand residents, due to the world financial crisis, it is time to turn and take a birds-eye view at the largely under-sung tropical island South Pacific nations, as the preferred adventure travel destination of 2009. Each tropical island has its own individual and particular magnetism, but a quick overview may assist the discerning traveler to make a well balanced travel choice.

1. Papua New Guinea still looks to have a 6 – 7% economic growth in spite of the global financial crisis.
2. Solomon Islands has one of the highest population growth records in the area, plus the highest economic growth of over 10% in 2007. It well positioned to continue this trend into 2009.
3. The Asian Development Bank is predicting a slowdown in growth for Vanuatu for 2009, though tourism is booming, thanks to the greatly increased air services from Air New Zealand, Solomon Airlines, Pacific Blue, Air Pacific and Air Vanuatu. It has been reported that tax-haven countries appear to be able to hold up against the world financial crisis.
4. Fiji, under the leadership of military strongman and coup leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama could be in for a rough 2009 with the threat of an election. Bainimarama, with his military-led regime is fervently determined to smash the nation’s coup culture, with a ferocious driving force to alter the country’s election laws.
5. Samoa is the one South Pacific nation that is not grappling with poor leadership, corruption and instability, under the eleven year leader, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi.  Though vastly unpopular, the Prime Minister has brought about the decision to alter the road code from driving on the right, to driving on the left. Tuilaepa almost single-handedly drove the changes through parliament.
6. The Cook Islands use New Zealand currency, so may not be as protected from the global financial crisis as other South Pacific nations. The sudden increase in tourism may be the Cook Island’s means of salvation.
7. Due to Niue’s severe lack of cash, New Zealand advanced $1 million for jet fuel, to ferry delegates to the annual Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Niue, in August 2008. The need for this provision never eventuated and now Niue has to work out how to get rid of a million dollars worth of jet fuel.
8. Australia is still committed to rescuing Nauru, with many years of financial neglect, from bankruptcy, is forced to invest around Au$1000 per capita annually into Nauru.  Fiji is supposed to be signing a regional air-services agreement with Nauru’s Our Airline. This may assist the tiny tropical island nation.
9. Tuvalu, using the Australian dollar as currency, may find itself more out in the open to the effect of the financial global crisis than some of its neighbours. Finally it appears  Apisai Ielemia may prove the exception to the constant dismissal of Prime Ministers by no confidence votes.  Ielemia has managed to remain unchallenged since assuming office in August 14, 2006. The tiny nation of Tuvalu has played a giant role in climate change talks, through Australian-based Dr Ian Fry.
10. Asian Development Bank and international donors are deeply concerned over the financial status of Kiribati, with its persistent draw-downs from the country’s reserve funds, which are invested offshore. A more prudent approach to government spending is urgently required. The other major problems facing Kiribati is the country’s deteriorating infrastructure and overcrowding in urban developments.
11. French Polynesia has experienced eight governments in the last four years. Gaston Tong Sang is clutching to stay in power, with a majority of only one seat. Tourism is expected to be in for a huge downturn with the global economy in tatters.
12. New Caledonia’s economy has achieved a huge injection through the new US$4 billion Koniambo nickel mine.  There are murmurings that the seat of power could soon be moved from Paris to Noumea.
13. One of the tiniest nations, with its two co-ruling kings, Wallis and Futuna will notice little alteration in 2009.
14. Guam has seen the relocation of the US military base from Okinawa, Japan, to this South Pacific tropical island. Some 8000 troops are to be stationed there. Infrastructure alone is estimated to cost US$15 billion, stretching across the next decade, in a joint venture between the Japanese and United States governments. However the world downturn appears to have slowed down this process.
15. Northern Marianas is facing the possibility of an corrosion of 44% to its GDP according to a recent study. The status of 10,000 Filipino workers could possibly be affected by the new changes to the immigration system. Because of recessionary trends in both Japan and South Korea, tourist numbers are expected to drop.
16. If Palau loses its US$70 million aid it will not have the ability to meet its budget in 2009. This combined with the down turn in Japanese tourists, could force Palau to come up with its own financial strategies.
17. The Marshall Islands had hoped for some spin off from the US military base in Guam. This may not happen as quickly as many had hoped. Environmental and overcrowding issues remain the major issues.

So you have seventeen exotic, exciting and very individual holiday destinations right on your doorstep. 2009 could be your once in a lifetime Blue moon Opportunity year of discovering the magic of the South Pacific.

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