Traffic plan set for cruise ship arrival in Port Vila

August 6, 2025 10:08 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

The Port Vila Municipal Wardens and Police Traffic Division held a traffic management briefing yesterday morning ahead of the first cruise ship visit to the capital since last December’s earthquake.

The briefing involved tour operators, police, handicraft vendors, and the Port Vila City Council (PVCC) to prepare for smooth traffic flow when the vessel docks on Friday, August 8. The goal is to prevent congestion and ensure a positive experience for visitors and residents alike.

Amos Ronnie, Manager of Community, Facilities and Assets at PVCC, said the plan for Friday includes separating drivers, similar to the system used at the main wharf. Tour operators will be stationed in the Waisuke area, while unbooked taxis and buses targeting free independent travellers will wait at the Anchor Inn area. These unbooked drivers will meet tourists at a designated exit point near the petrol station at the main town entry, before returning them near the Prouds area once their vehicles are full.

“For tour operators, we will have a dedicated area inside a barrier where they can collect their pre-booked passengers,” Ronnie explained. “Once they have their full group, they will depart. Those with confirmed bookings should bring their banners and documentation — if you have a banner but no proof of a booking, you will be sent back.”

He added that middlemen negotiating on behalf of transport providers without their own bus or taxi will not be tolerated on the day. Police will remove anyone involved in such activity.

The day will also include a short welcome ceremony, attended by government ministers and Prime Minister Jotham Napat, who will deliver a speech before passengers disembark. Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., the Kalsakau Drive area will be busy with VIP vehicles and logistical movements involving quarantine, customs, and ports staff. Businesses in the seafront area have been advised to use alternative parking, including behind Centre Point and the former National Bank of Vanuatu building.

At the end of the day, tourists may be dropped off at Anchor Inn to visit duty-free shops before returning to the ship, or at the handicraft market near the main market to purchase souvenirs.

For security reasons, the seafront area will be partially barricaded to meet international cruise safety requirements. However, entertainment will be provided in open areas such as the Lolam House and Jungle Café spaces, organised by the Department of Tourism. These areas will remain open to the public.

“We encourage the public to come to town and enjoy the entertainment with their families,” Ronnie said. “This will be the first time Port Vila will truly come alive since the earthquake. It’s an opportunity to revive our city and show it to visitors.”

After the cruise ship departs, all barricaded areas will reopen to the public.