Air visitors bring over VT10 billion in 2025, Snapshot shows

February 9, 2026 10:45 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara & Kiranga Taufa.

Vanuatu welcomed 69,366 air visitors between January and September 2025, generating an estimated VT10.59 billion for the national economy, according to the latest Air Visitor Snapshot released by the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO).

The report indicates that visitors stayed an average of nine days, underlining the continued importance of tourism as a key driver of economic activity across the country.

On average, each visitor spent approximately VT16,958 per day, supporting local businesses, accommodation providers, transport operators, and community enterprises.

Australia remained Vanuatu’s largest tourism market, accounting for 59 percent of all air arrivals. Other notable source markets included Europe (10 percent), New Zealand (6 percent), other Pacific countries (6 percent), China (6 percent), New Caledonia (4 percent), North America (4 percent), and other regions (5 percent).

Holiday travel dominated visitor purposes, with 75 percent coming for leisure, 7 percent visiting friends and family, 5 percent traveling for business, and 12 percent for other reasons. Visitor satisfaction remained high, with 84 percent reporting they were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience, and 79 percent indicating a willingness to return.

VTO’s Business Intelligence Manager, Warren Gama, noted the sector’s resilience while pointing to the need to diversify markets and travel purposes to support long-term growth and economic stability.

“Between January and September 2025, Vanuatu recorded 69,366 air visitors, with an average stay of nine days,” Gama said.

“Australia continues to be our largest source market, followed by Europe, New Zealand, other Pacific countries, China, New Caledonia, North America, and other countries. Most visitors travel for holidays, and our visitor satisfaction levels remain strong.”

He added that tourism spending during this period contributed approximately VT10.59 billion to the economy, underscoring the sector’s vital role in supporting businesses and communities across Vanuatu.