Tourism operators pin hopes on expo to boost island travel

September 10, 2026 10:43 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Vourie Molivakoro.

Tourism operators from across Vanuatu are hoping the fourth edition of the Mi Tumoro Vanuatu Travel Expo will bring new customers, stronger marketing opportunities and renewed interest in travelling within the country.

The four-day expo, which ends tomorrow at Feiawa Park Seafront in Port Vila, has brought together 35 participants, including tourism operators from all six provinces, to promote domestic tourism, local travel packages, accommodation deals, tours and unique island experiences.

Operators from TORBA, PENAMA, SANMA, TAFEA, MALAMPA and SHEFA provinces are taking part in the expo, showcasing the range of tourism products and experiences available across the country.

Among them is Nawori Seaview Bungalow from Wala Island in Malekula, where owner and manager Etienne Tiasinmal is hopeful improved air services will help strengthen tourism on the island.

Tiasinmal said flight cancellations had significantly affected the business last year, with the bungalow experiencing an estimated 85 per cent impact on bookings because of disruptions to flights.

He said tourists visiting Malekula generally stay between two and three nights, meaning a cancelled flight can have a major impact on their travel plans.

When a flight is cancelled and the next available flight is the following day, he said, tourists often decide to cancel their trip because they do not want to spend less time on the island than originally planned.

Tiasinmal thanked Air Vanuatu for the improvement in flight schedules, saying services have gradually become more stable since January.

He said the improved flight services were already contributing to a better flow of tourists to Malekula and giving local tourism operators greater confidence about the future.

At the expo, Nawori Seaview Bungalow is promoting several tourism experiences, including the Dog’s Head Walk, a tour from the eastern to the western coast of Malekula that includes accommodation and a tour guide.

The business also offers cultural tours and organises trips to neighbouring islands, including Ambrym and Paama.

Tiasinmal said the expo was an important opportunity to market the business and attract more visitors to Malekula.

“We are here to promote our products and hopefully attract more visitors,” he said.

For new tourism operators, the expo is also providing an opportunity to build networks, attract customers and learn from others in the industry.

Jennelyn Rongley, owner of Ruru Bungalow in Gaua, TORBA Province, said she was hopeful the expo would help introduce her business and its products to a wider market.

Rongley is a new tourism operator and said she hoped to gain more customers while also learning from other businesses and improving her services.

Ruru Bungalow offers a range of experiences, including the Mount Garet Tour, Siri Waterfall Tour and cultural activities featuring Victor Campside, water music and a magic show.

Rongley said creating a friendly and welcoming tourism environment was important to her, particularly as the business is currently the main source of income for her and her family.

She said participating in the expo was an important step towards building the business, gaining experience and improving the services offered to visitors.

The hopes of the Malekula and Gaua operators are shared by tourism businesses participating from other parts of the country.

Operators including Fortunate Lodge from western Tanna, Malog Bungalows from the Maskelynes, Pandanus Guest House on Malo, Hideaway Paradise Beach Bungalow on Santo, and Santo Firewalks and Cultural Tours are also using the expo to showcase their products and seek greater exposure.

Santo Firewalks and Cultural Tours is also promoting its custom school, giving visitors an opportunity to experience and learn about local culture and traditional practices.

For the participating operators, the Mi Tumoro Vanuatu Travel Expo is more than simply a showcase of tourism products.

It provides an opportunity to connect directly with potential customers, promote destinations outside Port Vila and encourage Ni-Vanuatu and international visitors to discover more of the country’s islands.

With tourism businesses continuing to face challenges including air connectivity, limited market exposure and the need to improve services, operators say events such as the Mi Tumoro Travel Expo provide an important platform for strengthening domestic tourism.

As the expo comes to an end, the 35 participating tourism businesses and stakeholders are hoping the connections made and products promoted over the four days will translate into more bookings, more visitors and greater opportunities for communities that depend on tourism for their livelihoods.