Conservative estimates suggest that whale tourism alone could inject over $10 million annually into Tonga’s economy. However, rather than nurturing this vital sector, authorities have turned a blind eye to the very issues threatening its sustainability.

The licensing system is riddled with inconsistencies and lacks proper oversight, leading to an unsustainable number of operators. A scientific report recommended that Vava’u should have no more than 13 whale-watching operators. Yet today, 30 licenses have been issued, with more than 60 vessels operating—blatantly disregarding sustainability. Why? Because insiders and politicians have abused the system, recklessly flooding the market with unqualified operators while experienced local businesses are sidelined.

Weak enforcement poses serious risks to both safety and the industry’s long-term viability. The situation is more than just an economic problem—it is a ticking time bomb that could result in catastrophic safety failures and lasting damage to Tonga’s reputation.

Safety Risks and Regulatory Failure

Sources from the industry in Vava’u have reported alarming trends:

• Untrained guides are endangering both tourists and whales.
• Operators are flouting safety regulations, swapping out licensed skippers once at sea.
• Overcrowded boats are breaching marine safety laws.
• Whales are being harassed to the point of fleeing Tongan waters altogether.

The Ministry of Tourism has refused to release the list of licensed operators for over two years, citing “commercial sensitivity.” But the real reason is clear: they do not want the public to see just how broken the system is. However, Tonga Independent has obtained a copy showing the distribution of operators:

• Vava’u: 30 operators
• Ha’apai: 10 operators
• Tongatapu: 5 operators
• ‘Eua: 2 operators

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Revenue appears to have no idea who even holds licenses, allowing millions in unreported revenue and unpaid taxes to slip through the cracks. In a country struggling with financial challenges, how is it possible that one of its most lucrative industries remains in such chaos?

Foreign Exploitation: The Silent Theft of Tongan Wealth

If the mismanagement of local operators wasn’t bad enough, foreign businesses and illegal operators are further draining the industry’s profits.

• Foreign businesses with no marine experience have entered the industry, running whale tours with little regard for conservation or safety. Allegedly, an operator in Ha’apai—convicted of price gouging—cannot even swim, yet he was granted a whale tour license.
• Unregulated inbound tour operators are exploiting the system, bringing tourists in without paying a single cent in tax to Tonga. A well-known foreign photographer reportedly took deposits for an entire season but never passed them on—leaving accommodation providers and tour operators without income.
• Chinese operators are using Alipay and WePay to funnel money directly to China, bypassing local tax laws while making millions off Tonga’s resources.

All of this is happening right under the noses of government authorities, who seem either too incompetent or too compromised to act.

Lulutai Airlines: A Bottleneck Strangling the Tourism Sector

The crisis doesn’t stop at whale tourism. The government-run Lulutai Airlines is single-handedly crippling Tonga’s tourism sector.

• Flight schedules change up to six times in three days—an impossible situation for a serious tourism industry.
• There is no online booking system, making it nearly impossible for international tourists to plan trips.
• Reports indicate the airline prioritises political favours over customer service, offering discounts to insiders while charging full price to unsuspecting travellers.

When Air Fiji suspends flights for maintenance, Vava’u turns into a ghost town because Lulutai Airlines cannot pick up the slack. Imagine owning a tourism business in an island paradise but being unable to bring in guests because your own government is blocking access.