VTO warns irresponsible reporting on airport robbery could hurt tourism

December 30, 2025 11:03 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now Twitter Facebook

By Hilaire Bule.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), Adela Issachar Aru, has called on professional and social media to exercise responsibility when reporting and posting information about the brazen robbery at Port Vila International Airport Cargo Terminal on Monday midday.

CEO Aru warned that inaccurate reporting could harm Vanuatu’s fragile tourism industry.

She cited a post by Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC) titled ‘Western Union Driver Taken Hostage in Bauerfield AUD 80 Million Armed Robbery’ as an example.

Police Commissioner Kalshem Bongran later confirmed that no hostage situation occurred.

BRED Bank reported yesterday that AUD 80 million equals six billion four hundred million vatu.

CEO Aru said such posts could undermine tourism, which is still recovering following last year’s earthquake.

Mrs. Aru urged both mainstream and social media outlets to double-check their facts before publishing.

She added that the media should provide accurate and reassuring information to the public rather than causing panic.

The VBTC newsroom said their story was based on information from various airport sources.

CEO Aru said VTO had reached out to travel agents in Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia to reassure them that Vanuatu remains a peaceful and beautiful country.

She added that travel agents confirmed no ticket cancellations or booking disruptions have occurred and reiterated her appeal for responsible reporting.

Police also expressed concern over how the robbery was reported and urged media outlets to verify facts before publishing. They reminded the public that information should assist in capturing the suspects, not help them evade arrest.

The Daily Post contacted hotels in Port Vila and found no adverse impact on reservations following the reported airport robbery.