Luganville to set record for cruise calls in September

August 23, 2024 7:30 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Six cruise calls are planned for Santo in September, the highest number it has ever received in a single month.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) confirmed this yesterday, affirming that Luganville is set to welcome increased cruise calls from September 2024.

The six cruise calls slated for next month kick off with Pacific Adventure on 14 September, followed by Pacific Explorer on 15 September, Pacific Encounter on 17 September, Seabourn Pursuit on 19 September, Pacific Encounter again on 24 September, and Silver Cloud on 30 September.

The increase in calls is a result of the social unrest in New Caledonia, which has led cruise lines to seek further opportunities in the region, choosing Vanuatu as a destination.

“I appeal to all tourism operators, transport providers, local authorities, and the general public in Santo to embrace these cruise opportunities.

“This is a unique chance to demonstrate to the international cruise market the full potential of Santo as a prime cruise destination,” said Paul Pio, Director of the DoT, in a statement.

“We have been working with cruise companies to spread cruise opportunities across Vanuatu, and Santo offers the infrastructure and tourism experience to make it happen.

“We still have a lot of work to do, and I encourage us to learn from past lessons to improve for a greater and better future.

“The increase in cruise visits also aligns with the Economic Corridor policy of the Government, aiming to make Santo a hub for tourism.”

The DoT is currently preparing to revive the Luganville Port of Call Committee to oversee the management plan, operations on cruise ship days, and other cruise tourism project initiatives, in partnership with local authorities and tourism associations.

The Luganville Cruise Terminal is also set to undergo a facelift to enhance the guest experience before the end of 2024.

Vanuatu remains the closest and second-largest cruise destination in the South Pacific in terms of volume and frequency.