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Domestic Industry Update
Welcome to the Domestic Industry Update webpage where you can discover the latest information for the domestic market put out by the local tourism industry operators including news releases and current updates by the VTO on events and activities for the local tourism industry.
november LATEST:
28.11.2022 Media Release - Celebrating Royal Caribbean Cruise's Return To Vanuatu
“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. Read more
22.11.2022 Media Release - Vanuatu Named Worl's #7 Best Place to Travel in 2023 by Travel Lemming
Vanuatu has been named the 7th best place to travel in the world in 2023 by Travel Lemming, a US-based online travel guide read by more than 6 million travelers. The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 15th, 2022.
The annual list of 50 best places to travel highlights emerging destinations and hidden gems around the world (https://travellemming.com/best-places-to-travel-2023/). Read more
22.11.2022 Media Release - Port Vila International Airport Consumer Research & 2022
The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DoT), Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO), Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL) and the Australian Government funded program Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP), carried out an International Consumer Research Survey at the Port Vila International Airport from October 01 – October 21, 2022. Read more
The new Honourable Minister of Tourism, Trade, Commerce of Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNB), Honourable Matai Seremaiah, and his delegation visited the Santo Travel Information Centre today Friday 18th November 2022. This marks the first Official visit of the Minister for Tourism to the Santo Travel Information Centre and was welcomed by smiling officials who greeted the Minister and his delegation with shell necklaces supporting our local businesses from Santo. This visit was a part of the Minister’s Program of visits to line agencies under the MTTCNB in Espiritu Santo. Read more
18.11.2022 Media Release - Ravenga Surfing Expedition Showing Potential For Water
A dream that has been brewing for some time has finally become more concrete for the local communities of Vanua Lava and the surrounding islands. The dream, according to Alphonse Yemen, a well-known turtle monitor, is to see more tourists visit their homes, and villages to come and surf their waves and explore their province.
Mr. Yemen, who also owns a Bungalow in Panglap village says, “We’ve had a few surfers visit and stayed with us over the years and have gifted us with surfboards that my children now also use.” Read More
08.11.2022 Media Release - Vanuatu Is Ready To Welcome First Cruise Ship Trials
The month of November is an exciting one for the Tourism Industry as it is set to be the trial month for cruise ships to Vanuatu. A total of 4 cruise vessels will visit Mystery Island, Port Vila and Luganville throughout the month. The Vanuatu Government, through the National Cruise Tourism Management Committee (NCTMC), led by the Department of Tourism (DoT) has advised that with the arrival of the first cruise ship, we will see our transport and handicraft businesses starting to get busier. Interestingly, there will also be a double berthing on the 19th of November in which Port Vila’s Harbour will be hosting the Pacific Adventure during the day and later in the afternoon hosting the Ovation of the Seas overnight and departing the next day. Read more
Last Wednesday [26 October 2022], the Vanuatu Tourism Office and Vanuatu’s South Pacific WWII Museum hosted a series of celebrations in Luganville (Espiritu Santo) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the SS President Coolidge (the Coolidge), including a special ceremony and the unveiling of an exhibition on the US troop carrier and its role in Vanuatu’s WWII history.
Attended by VIPs from around the world, including High Commissioners and Ambassadors from Australia, New Zealand, Britain, France, and Japan, the day commenced with a ceremony at the memorial of the Coolidge’s Captain, Elwood J Euart. Read more
October LATEST:
21.10.22 Media Release - Inaugural Grand Manaro Trek 2022 A Huge Success
The Vanuatu Tourism Office, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business, and particularly the Community of Ambangga Village, located North of Ambae island, are delighted to announce the launch of the first-ever Grand Manaro Trek 2022.
The new tourism sport trekking event took place over the last week-end after months of scoping & planning.
A total of over 20 participants and a dozen of officials travelled to Longana, to launch and part take in the two days trekking up the rumbling Manaro volcano. Read more
20.10.22 Media Release - Special exhibition of world-famous Coolidge wreck to open in Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s South Pacific WWII Museum has announced the opening of a special exhibition featuring never-before-seen artefacts from the S.S. President Coolidge, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the ship’s sinking in 1942.
The special two-week exhibition will open on 26 October 2022, the day of the ship’s sinking 80 years prior, at the museum in Luganville, on Espiritu Santo, and will display never-before-seen Coolidge items recovered from the wreck before it was listed as a heritage site by the Vanuatu Government in 1972. Read more
Data and insights are crucial elements of the decision-making and the team at the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) is introducing new initiatives to gather data and insights in strengthening this area for the tourism and hospitality industry.
The Office is working in collaboration with the Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO), Department of Tourism (DoT), Airports Vanuatu Ltd (AVL) and the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) to coordinate and deliver a consumer feedbacks, insights and data to assist the industry, government and stakeholders on what has been the impact of the arrival of the visitors since July 2022 into the country. Read more
The Vanuatu Government is delighted to welcome back the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL), which is scheduled to resume its cruise itinerary to Vanuatu during the cruising trial in Vanuatu this summer. The first arrival will be the Ovation of the Seas at Mystery Island on 12th November, followed by an overnight visit planned for the 19th -20th November at Port Vila, with further sailings planned throughout the 2022-2023 season on both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest entrant into this region, now
home porting from Brisbane.
Royal Caribbean has been working hand in hand with the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) on the safe and successful resumption of cruising to Vanuatu. Read more
SEPTEMBER LATEST:
15.09.22 Media Release - Vanuatu Announces The Return of International Cruising In 2022
The Vanuatu Government, through the National Cruise Tourism Management Committee (NCTMC) is excited to announce the official return of international cruises to Vanuatu, commencing 09th November 2022.
The National Cruise Tourism Management Committee (NCTMC), led by the Department of Tourism (DoT), endorsed on Monday, 12th September 2022 a “trial” return of the cruise ships in Vanuatu waters commencing 09th November 2022, after more than two (2) years of border closure and subsequent suspension of the international passenger vessels into the country. Read more
August Latest:
24.08.22 Media Release - The 2022 Nalawan Festival Is Launched
The People of Southwest Bay in Malekula Island, gathered today on the picturesque beach of Lawa village, to welcome both international and domestic visitors, who have traveled afar to witness the launch of the two-days Nalawan Festival.
The cultural event kicked-off with a welcome greeting at the beach, drawn by the sound of the island string-band performance and three kastom dances — Nohonenguete (Octopus) Dance, Nawel (Red-head pigeon) Dance, Nohenenimbeangae (Water Taro) Dance. Read more
05.08.22 Media Release -Vanuatu Welkam Back to Solomon Airlines
The Vanuatu Tourism Office welcomes the return of Solomon Airlines, after over two years of temporary suspension of commercial services between Honiara and Port-Vila, as result of border restrictions due to Covid-19.
Solomon Airlines resume its first service today [02 August 2022], landing at midday in Port-Vila.
“Seeing Solomon Airlines returning to our shores, adds another smile to our travelers. More international flights mean more options for our visitors to answer the call of Vanuatu and take an adventure to experience the many islands and its uniqueness that we have.” Says Adela Issachar Aru, Chief Executive Officer of the Vanuatu Tourism Office. Read more
JULY LATEST:
11.06.22 Media Release - The Vanuatu Tourism Office welkam Aircalin's return to Vanuatu.
The Vanuatu Tourism Office is excited to welcome Aircalin’s return to Vanuatu, after over two and a half years of suspension of their commercial services between the two nations, due to the pandemic and subsequent borders restrictions.
“We are so excited to welcome back our travelers from New Caledonia and our team were at the airport to make sure the first flight receives the warmest of the Welkam” says Adela Issachar Aru, Chief Executive Officer at the Vanuatu Tourism Office. Read more
08.06.22 Media Release - The Vanuatu Tourism Office welcomes Fiji Airways' Return to Vanuatu
Friday, 08th July 2022, Port-Vila, Vanuatu: The Vanuatu Tourism Office welcomes the return of Fiji Airways to Vanuatu, as it resumes its first international passengers’ flight between Port-Vila and Nadi, starting Monday, 04th July 2022.
Fiji Airways currently offers two (2) flights a week on Mondays and Saturdays between the two cities, with domestic connections in Fiji and other long-haul connecting flights. Read more
JUNE LATEST:
14.06.22 Media Release - Virgin Australia Announces Return to Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Tourism Office has welcomed Virgin Australia’s announcement today that it will start direct services from Brisbane to Port Vila, Vanuatu from 10 March 2023, with up to five (5) flights a week.
With Vanuatu’s borders opening to Australian travellers on July 1st 2022, the Vanuatu Tourism Office reports it expects the island destination to be very popular with both families and couples looking for a nature-based escape close to Australia.
Vanuatu Tourism Office’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adela Issachar Aru, says the return of Virgin Australia to Vanuatu in March, will give travelers even more choice when planning their travels to Vanuatu. Read more
Industry Update – ending 29 May 2022
It’s another week and the team at VTO has been actively working, to align with health travel protocols, marketing campaign relaunch and messaging, social media activities and destination brand positioning, aviation and cruise readiness programs etc., ahead of our much-anticipated border reopening in 30 days.
While the excitement and the prospect of the back to business continues to grow, we also acknowledge the many challenges ahead of us – one of those include the labor shortage. Read more
MAY LATEST:
We hope that you are all safe and well in all this rain, after the short passage of TC Gina. It is really the last thing we need at the moment. It has been an interesting week. From zoom meetings, review of planning, reconnections with trade partners, site visits into different local properties etc. We are now 40 days before the 01 July 2022.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
We are excited to announce that SANMA Province and the Torres Group are now on Recovery Level 1. This means they will be able to welcome international visitors back from 1 July when borders re-open.
Other islands and provinces currently on Recovery Level 2 and Alert level 1 & 3 will continue to be monitored by the Ministry of Health. Read more
15.05.22 Industry Release - Only 47 more days until the border opens!
News, Updates and information
The Ministry of Health has updated the Roadmap to Safe Border Reopening (Version 3 – 11 May 2022), which also highlights the new travel protocols and testing regime, under Recovery Level 1 (lift most restrictions), ahead of the border reopening in July 2022. Read more
11.05.22 Media Release - VTO signs Placement Agreement with Vanuatu Skills Partnership
From left to right : VTO CEO, Adela Issachar Aru and VSP Director, Fremden Shadrack Yanhambath at the signing ceremony on Friday, 06th May 2022
The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) signed a placement agreement last Friday with the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP).
The placement agreement outlines the temporary placement of Mr. Warren Gama, the Productive Sector Technical Advisor (TA) for VSP, within the VTO lead the coordination and management of the Business Intelligence program focusing on tourism data and insights for improved organizational performance. Read more
10.05.22 Media Release - Preparing Border Reopening Aviation Connectivity through collaborative marketing initiatives between the VTO and Air Vanuatu
Today, the Vanuatu Tourism Office and Air Vanuatu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further strengthen their marketing partnerships, as the country is gearing up for the reopening of its borders to international travelers, in July 2022. This partnership is not new; however, it aims to guide the parties identified and planned marketing initiatives towards the development of the international and domestic tourism market, addressing the reopening of the borders and the recovery of the travel and tourism business in Vanuatu. Read more
09.05.22 Industry Release - Time to get Tourism Ready!
Its only 8 weeks until we welcome our first visitors to Vanuatu!
Last week has seen the team move away from the Tourism Ready phase, which the Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue working on, to our next two phases of the Tourism Recovery Road Map – Market Ready and Market Opening. Both our local and international teams are focused on their plans and bringing life to these activities ensuring all our partners and stakeholders are ready to have visitors Answer the Call of Vanuatu from 1st July 2022. Read more
05.05.22 Media Release - Vanuatu Launches the Tourism & Hospitality Worker Attraction Campaign
The Vanuatu Government announced on Friday, 08th April the reopening of borders on 01 July to international travellers and tourists. One of the growing challenges identified by both the industry and the Government towards the successful border reopening, is the shortage of labour or skilled workforce in the tourism and hospitality sector.
To address the shortage, a labour coalition has been formed between the Ministry of Tourism Trade Commerce and Ni Vanuatu Business and the Ministry of Internal Affairs through the collaboration of the Department of Tourism (DoT), Department of Labour and the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) to work together and facilitate the opportunity for registration and training of ni-Vanuatu into the tourism and hospitality sector for preparation towards border re-opening. Read more
03.05.22 Industry Release - Answer the Call of Vanuatu in July 2022
Another busy week for the team as we work to establish protocols for safe borders opening on the 1st of July 2022 and to welcome back visitors to Vanuatu. We’ve continued to collaborate with our many partners both on the ground in Vanuatu and offshore to establish clear pathways forward, ensuring we have everything covered as we work through our Tourism Ready phase of the Border Reopening Plan. Read more
APRIL LATEST:
20.04.22 Industry Release: VTO Easter Activities & Campaigns
Dear Tourism Industry Operators, For Easter last year, The Vanuatu Tourism office (VTO) was pleased to see the communities around Vanuatu step up to the challenge of supporting our local businesses who continue to show resilience despite the difficult times to grow our domestic tourism program because international borders were closed.
This year’s 2022 Easter is just a bit different, in the midst of our first wave of COVID-19 in Efate and Santo, we had to prepare for border reopening. Read more
19.04.22 Media Release : VTO gives to Covid patients this Easter
The Vanuatu Tourism office (VTO) visited the food preparation team packaging food for the Covid-19 patients at the Korman isolation center on Thursday last week.
A special care package has been delivered by the team, to be distributed to the patients who are isolating during this Easter period. Inside the care package, are warm recovery messages from the team and bars of Gaston chocolate. Read more
15.04.22 Industry Release : VTO getting Tourism Ready towards July 1st
It’s been a week since the Prime Minister, Hon. Bob Loughman Weibur announced our borders will be open for tourists and all international visitors on 1 July 2022 to Answer The Call of Vanuatu! The VTO team have been busy moving into the “Tourism Ready” phase of our border re-opening plans and focusing towards the “Marketing Ready” phase. Read more
What wonderful news from the Prime Minister, Hon. Bob Loughman Weibur today. Our borders will be open for tourists and all international visitors on 1 July 2022!! to Answer The Call of Vanuatu! That is only 84 more sleeps. Read more
04.04.22 Industry Release : Meet the Pacific 2022
Dear operators, we would like to take this time to share with you some key updates from our Long-Haul Markets. As you may (or may not) know, the in-person edition of ITB Berlin 2022 was cancelled, after being originally planned to take place this month. Owing to the latest developments and directives as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Messe Berlin was not in a position to proceed with its exhibitors and partners. The current situation surrounding the pandemic, as well as the heightened travel restrictions and limitations imposed on the numbers of people that can attend large events, is the main reason behind Messe Berlin's unfortunate decision. Read more
MARCH LATEST:
29.03.22 Industry Release : Preparation for 2022 and Border Openings
Don’t leave it all to the last minute to start your preparation for welcoming back visitors.
While we still have plenty of work ahead of us to increase the vaccination rates, make sure you look after your business too. As you think about getting your business up and running again, here are a few things or tips on what you can do right now. Read more
24.03.22- Industry Release : Join us in our #WindowBlongMI social media campaign
Dear operators, While Vanuatu is currently addressing its first wave of covid-19 community transmission, the Vanuatu tourism Office is excited to launch a social media campaign under the theme #WindowBlongMi. Read more
14.03.22 Industry Release : Mi Tumoro Vanuatu 2022 Postponed 
Dear Tourism operators, Don't we just miss all the fun Vanuatu Moments right now – we would love to be back outdoors living life to the fullest. Until then, it’s important we all look out for one another. For now, the Champagne (or Kava) is on the ice – but our rivers continue to flow and the sun continues to rise. Let’s Keep Vanuatu Beautiful. Read more
February LATEST:
22.02.22 Industry Release : Exciting times for VTO's Business Intelligence unit which used to be called Information, Research and Data. The program now has a new manager, Data Analytics officer, and its very own Research and Intelligence Working Group.
VTO staff also received their booster shots this week to help keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from COVID-19...
1.02.22 Industry Release: features the Vanuatu Domestic Tourism Marketing Strategy 2021 - 2023 and VTO's 2022 plans for:
1. Turisim Marketing Storian (TMS)
2. Mi Tumoro Vanuatu
3. Vanuatu Volcano Run
4. Social Media Campaign
5. Media Partnerships
6. Nawimba Magazine
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