Resort owner supports plan for Airport–Etas road

June 24, 2025 10:06 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Charles Hakwa.

Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat recently announced plans to open a new road from the airport to Montmartre and on to Etas, aiming to ease daily traffic congestion in Port Vila.

Eratap Resort owner, Tony Pittar, welcomed the plan and told the Daily Post that the initiative is important and will provide a major boost for tourism.

“Anything that reduces congestion is an excellent idea and will create a better image for Vanuatu,” Pittar said. “Right now, Port Vila looks very ugly and run down between the airport and town, and that doesn’t leave a good impression.”

The proposed connection from the airport to Etas would benefit not only his guests but also visitors staying at resorts on the eastern side of Efate, such as MG Cocomo Resort, Tropicana and Holiday Inn. The new route would allow them to avoid the current delays on the main road.

Mr. Pittar also recommended that the new road link to the existing Bellevue road near the USP roundabout, which would help improve access to other major hotels, including Le Lagon, Ramada and Breakas.

Pittar stressed that road improvements are essential for tourism and have long been neglected. He added that upgrading or building a new airport is equally important.

A Tassiriki resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, also supports the plan. He said the new road would make it easier for residents to get to the airport on time for both departures and arrivals. He added that workers living in areas like Tassiriki, Erakor, Nambatu Lagoon or Teouma would also benefit, as they would avoid the usual traffic bottlenecks at Intraco, Tana Russet and Manples.