The struggling Pacific Island nation of Tonga is reeling at news the US reality show 'Survivor' will not film on its shores.
The show was expected to inject a much-needed $US6 million into the little kingdom's flagging economy when it started filming next month.
There had been much excitement around the television plans, but in a letter to Tonga's prime minister, Lord Tu'ivakano, 'Survivor' co-producer Leisa Francis said they had not been able to secure accommodation and other services needed.
Tonga's newly installed director of tourism, Sakopo Lolohea, said the withdrawal was a "tragedy" for his country.
"This was an incredible opportunity for us, a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase our country to the world and finally put us on the map," Mr Lolohea told AAP on Wednesday.
"This was going to generate cash for us like we've never seen before, but the chance has slipped through our fingers.
"I am very, very sad."
'Survivor' had planned to film for several months in Tonga's picturesque north island group, Vava'u.
The government had offered tax incentives and concessions to encourage the producers, and had even set up legislation to meet their special requirements.
However, the makers had difficulty getting cooperation from local operators when it came to booking the 25,000 room nights needed.
"This is not a problem with 'Survivor', it's a problem with our own people not understanding the huge national benefit of making this happen," Mr Lolohea said.
"It shows us we've got work to do, that's for sure."
He believed producers would shift the show to neighbouring Fiji, already well known in the US thanks to the popular bottled Fiji Water and promotion by stars such as Oprah Winfrey, who has holidayed there.
A confidential report on the state of Tonga's economy, released last December, revealed the country was in dire financial straits.
Almost a quarter of the population lives in poverty, the growth rate is close to zero and government loans have doubled in the past three years.
The kingdom faces virtual bankruptcy, the report concluded.
