Don’t cancel your trip to Vanuatu – we will return stronger: DoT

January 12, 2025 10:32 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Adorina Massing.

With 70% of the tourism sector currently operational, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has assured a positive message for international aviation and cruise visitors that Vanuatu is still open for business.

Director of the DoT, Paul Pio, said although the Port Vila main wharf is badly damaged with no available access, the two cruise hubs in Mystery Island and Santo are operational and receiving tourists.

“At this stage, the cruise ships scheduled in January, which are en route to Port Vila, have been directed to Mystery Island and Santo, so this has provided some relief to the business community. Although it’s not in Efate, at least our two cruise hubs have covered it,” he said.

“We have information about cancellations, so we are trying to address both of them from the aviation and cruise side. From an aviation perspective, we are working with different regional airline partners to see the forecast for the next quarter (6 months) and for the next 12 months, and to hear their opinions, as we are trying to work collaboratively to find the best solution.”

Pio added that the Public Works Department (PWD), in terms of main road access to the wharf, has still not completed their assessments, and they are awaiting a final report with the support of international engineers requested by the Government.

“We depend entirely on the authorities concerned to give us a pathway and to let us know the timeframe, so they can find a solution before we can communicate it back to our cruise partners and how we can charter a pathway back to Port Vila for the return of the cruise ships,” he said.

“Port Vila Central Business District (CBD) is the economic hub for all of Vanuatu, and we cannot neglect it. If there are different plans coming forward, we have to be clear on those plans so that the relevant stakeholders can inform their sectors, and how we can all participate together to ensure that the recovery is fast and safe for everyone. Safety will always remain our top priority for any vision that we make.”

In terms of the country’s international reputation following the tragic 7.3 magnitude earthquake, which has been covered extensively by global media, the Director is optimistic about the resilience of the business community, especially in the tourism sector.

“It’s good to see that many are not waiting for government support. A lot of us have immediately stepped in to find ways to keep our businesses going. This shows the resilience and strength of the tourism sector,” he said.

“We are doing our best to manage our international reputation. Unfortunately, many testimonies have been relayed to the international media, which has led tourists to have second thoughts about whether or not to come to Vanuatu.

“Our message is: Don’t cancel Vanuatu yet—perhaps consider postponing your travels. Vanuatu is still open for business. We will come back stronger and better. We have faced many challenges in the past. It’s not our first challenge, and I am happy that we are still receiving international guests. With flights coming in, there are tourists who still have Vanuatu at heart, whether they are here for holidays, work, or conferences. People attending conferences are also helping the tourism industry by booking resorts, guesthouses, taxis, and tour operators.

“We need everyone to come together. There must be a clear roadmap or pathway for moving forward.”