Celebrating Royal Caribbean Cruise's Return to Vanuatu
RCCL officials and Government guests sharing Kava shells to mark the occasion at Warwick Le Lagoon Resort & Spa in Port-Vila, Vanuatu on 19 Nov. 2022.
Photo credit: Royal Caribbean Cruise Limited.
Media Release - Port Vila, 28 November 2022 : “Our visits to Vanuatu are extremely important”, says Gavin Smith, Vice-President and Managing Director of Royal Caribbean AU/NZ.
High spirits were felt all-around during the celebratory dinner hosted by the Royal Caribbean Group at Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa in Port-Vila, on Saturday 19th November, 2022. Among the invited guests present, were some of the leaders of the Vanuatu Government including the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Lands, Sato Kilman, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, External Trade and International Cooperation, Jotham Napat and Hon. Minister of Youth & Sports Development, Tomker Netvui, members of the Diplomatic Corps, the leadership team of the Ovation of The Seas (OTS) and members of various business houses and media partners.
In a statement made during his official welcome speech, Managing Director and Vice President of Royal Caribbean AU/NZ, Mr. Gavin Smith said, “Tonight is a very exciting event, all of my colleagues here from Royal Caribbean want to join together with the community of Vanuatu and the leadership that are here tonight, to celebrate the return of cruise tourism. There is no doubt when you look out at the passenger pier and harbour this evening — cruising has returned to Vanuatu.”
“Our visits to Vanuatu are extremely important, it’s a very special destination for Royal Caribbean, for both our crew led by Captain Espen, and also our many loyal guests. Vanuatu is a central part of our operations in Australia and the South Pacific.”
“Australians and New Zealanders love the Ni-Van people and that’s demonstrated by the number that return to visit each year. It’s the friendliness, the hospitality and most of all the kindness of the communities that astounds the Aussies and the Kiwis who visit - the welcome that we receive here is second to none.”
“Our friendship is an enduring friendship and one that has sustained itself through tough times. We wanted to come to Vila tonight to acknowledge and celebrate the leadership of your amazing community, we wanted to do it on your land in a beautiful hotel such as the Warwick and celebrate the region and how welcome you make us.”
According to Mr. Smith, Royal Caribbean is also passionate about what they do to provide cruise holidays and create memories for hundreds of thousands of people in the region and have done so with great passion. “We feel very much that we share the passion that you bring for your beautiful land”, he said.
“Our friendship is an enduring friendship and one that has sustained itself through tough times. We wanted to come to Port-Vila tonight to acknowledge and celebrate the leadership of your amazing community, we wanted to do it on your land in a beautiful hotel such as the Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa, and celebrate the region and how welcomed you make us.”
Gavin Smith also re-confirmed Royal Caribbean’s commitment to see through the partnership with Lelepa Community become a signature cruise destination in the future.
Royal Caribbean's Executive Team present at the Function, led by VP and Managing Director, Mr. Gavin Smith.
In his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Lands, Honorable Sato Kilman, on behalf of the Honorable Minister for Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNB), said, “The resumption of cruise visits to the Republic of Vanuatu after two years of border closure due Covid-19 Pandemic, is very much welcomed.”
“We thank Royal Caribbean for responding positively, to answer our call under these initial welcome cruises during this month of November 2022.”
In his statement, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that “When cruise ships visit Vanuatu, it supports Vanuatu in a significant way.”
“The direct impact in terms of jobs, livelihood in our island communities, our mamas, our youths and those with special needs, cannot be understated”, said the Deputy Prime Minister.
“Our pristine environment, vibrant culture and friendly hospitality is truly something that we are proud of and hope that tourists visiting Vanuatu can also experience and enjoy.”
Vanuatu's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Lands, Sato KILMAN during his address at the Royal Caribbean Cruise's Function.
The Department of Tourism (DoT) in close collaboration with partners such as the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) and stakeholders in the tourism industry have taken the opportunity to develop the Vanuatu Sustainable Cruise Tourism Development Strategy to better manage and grow cruise tourism in Vanuatu.
The resumption of cruise into Vanuatu welcomes all cruise lines and Royal has been the second major cruise company to return to Vanuatu’s shores. The effort from the National Cruise Tourism Management Committee (NCTMC) in preparing the arrival of all cruise vessels into the destination has been a tremendous effort to prepare the cruise trial month with all stakeholders together. This has shown the careful planning, product preparedness and safety precautions taken into consideration with the focus for economic recovery for our small business entrepreneurs to benefit from revenue generating activities.
The visit of Ovation of The Seas on the 19th of November with an overnight stay in beautiful Port Vila harbor provided a spectacular show for many families and friends taking memorable pictures of the stunning ship.
It has been smiles, laughter and happy times for many of the businesses enjoying the return of the cruise industry to Vanuatu to create memorable Vanuatu moments and to answer the call of Vanuatu!
Minister of Foreign Affairs, External Trade and International Cooperation, Honorable Jotham Napat, during the exchange of plaque with Captain Espen Been of Ovation of the Seas during the RCCL celebration dinner at Warwick Le Lagoon.
Photo credit: Royal Caribbean Cruise Limited.
