Royal Caribbean to launch ‘Vanuatu Made’ products onboard ships this upcoming Australian Summer season
September 30, 2024 9:52 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
Vanuatu’s new partnership with Royal Caribbean marks a new beginning and opens up investment opportunities to increase local production.
Jimmy Rantes, Director General (DG) of the Vanuatu Ministry of Trade and Commerce (MOTC), made the above remarks while celebrating Vanuatu Made Week, during which the MOTC and Royal Caribbean International (RCL), through the Department of Industry (DOI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), announced that they will be stocking products sourced from Vanuatu on board its ships sailing from Sydney and Brisbane this summer.
The initiative highlights the cruise line’s support to Vanuatu’s economy as well as Royal Caribbean guests’ appreciation of the island nation.
“On behalf of the Government and the People of Vanuatu, we humbly welcome and are grateful to Royal Caribbean’s support to foster deeper relationships, not only with tourism, but also with our local industry,” says DG Rantes.
“Value addition is a key program of the Government and we are working with different international partners, including local suppliers and farmers, to improve our export pathway. This new partnership with Royal Caribbean marks a new beginning and open new investment opportunities to increase our local production and grow the industry sector.”
“Vanuatu has been a long-standing favorite destination for our guests due to its natural beauty, welcoming locals and artisan markets.
“Now, our guests will be able to support the Vanuatu community by picking up locally crafted products onboard as the ideal souvenir for loved ones back home,” stated Gavin Smith, Managing Director and Vice president, Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand.
“We are thrilled to launch this initiative to support the community and strengthen our guest’s connection to a key destination we visit.”
Guests will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of Vanuatu products including:
1. Kavanua Beauty: Soaps and body oils from the company, based in Port Vila, will be available onboard. The company who source ingredients locally, supports local farmers and suppliers to ensure products are of the highest quality and also contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
2. Aelan: Guests will be able to purchase hand crafted artisan chocolate from these local chocolatiers who hand farm cocoa grown in dark volcanic soil to give a rich flavour.
3. Tanna Coffee: Grown in the shadows of the still-active Mt. Yasur Volcano on the island of Tanna, this coffee will offer holidaymakers the opportunity to take home a range of organic Arabica coffees.
Both the Cruise Line and the DOI will monitor the demand for these trial products, with anticipation to improve and increase the range of products in the future.
The collaboration is indicative of Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to SEA the Future, which celebrates and spotlights local cultures and offerings, in meaningful ways to energise and support the communities they visit.
