The Vanuatu Tourism Office is pleased to welcome Paul Pio to the team as the new Short Haul Markets Manager. Paul is responsible for managing and developing the brand positioning of Vanuatu as a tourism destination in the short-haul markets of Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia, including managing VTO’s market representation in each market.
Paul is not new to the tourism industry and has been a key contributor through his various previous appointments, including as General Manager of South Sea Shipping Ltd and, as Marketing & Communications Manager of Air Vanuatu. Most recently, he has been Secretary of the Vanuatu Tamtam Bubble Taskforce under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office and committee member of the Tourism Crisis Response and Recovery Advisory Committee under the Ministry of Tourism.
“I am thrilled to welcome Mr Paul Pio to the Vanuatu Tourism Office in the role of Short Haul Markets Manager. Mr Pio's knowledge, experience, and leadership skills will add another dimension to the VTO Management team at this important time”, says VTO’s Chief Executive Officer, Adela Issachar Aru.
“I know Paul is passionate about delivering benefits to Vanuatu, and has a commitment to a strong partnership approach that will come to the forefront as he works with the broader VTO team to deliver real outcomes for Vanuatu and our tourism recovery. Paul already has positive relationships with our industry and in-market stakeholders. This allows him to hit the ground running and focus on the priority of developing marketing strategies for when our borders are able to safely re-open”, says Adela.
“Aviation access will underpin our recovery success, and Paul will add immense value to the team in this area, in addition to supporting the work of the Tamtam Bubble Taskforce. Vanuatu's short haul markets of Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia will be pivotal in Vanuatu's economic recovery and for delivering new initiatives under our Vanuatu tourism recovery marketing programs. I know Paul will take on the challenge of leading this work with focus and commitment”, says CEO Aru.
Says Paul of his new position: “I am excited to take on the role and work with the team at the Vanuatu Tourism Office, and I look forward to fostering corporate and business relationships with our key stakeholders in Vanuatu and in our core markets of Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand, whilst implementing the 2021-2023 Tourism Marketing Recovery Program”.