Department of Tourism Right to Information compliance
The Department of Tourism is deeply committed to upholding the principles of the Right to Information (RTI) as outlined in the Right to Information Act and its comprehensive Users Guide. At its core, RTI is built upon the foundational belief that governments should be accountable to the general public by providing accessible and requested information about their policies, programs, and activities. This commitment ensures that the Department of Tourism adheres to formal criteria for voluntarily disclosing information and promptly responding to public requests for information, thus eliminating the discretion of governments in determining what should be made available to the public.
As an integral part of Vanuatu's broader national strategy for improved governance, the Right to Information Law aligns with the Comprehensive Reform Program, the National Priority Action Agenda, and the Leadership Code. This law also underscores Vanuatu's international compliance with treaties, such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, reflecting the government's commitment to transparency and accountability on a global scale.
The objectives of the Vanuatu Right to Information Law are clear and resonant with the Department of Tourism's mission. By providing access to information held by government agencies and relevant private entities, subject to reasonable exceptions, this law empowers the public to engage in transparent governance and hold public authorities accountable for their actions. It fosters public participation, reinforces freedom of expression, and ultimately contributes to national development. The Department of Tourism is proud to support these objectives and play its part in promoting an informed and engaged citizenry.
For more information about Right to Information, please visit this website...
a. The structure and functions of the Vanuatu Department of Tourism
Visit this page for more information about the structure of the Department of Tourism
b. Department of Tourism location, opening hours, and subjects handled
Department of Tourism
PMB 9099
George Pompidou Road Port Vila
Phone: (678) 33 400
Email:
Website: tourism.gov.vu
Monday - Friday
8 AM - 5 PM
The Department of Tourism is a government agency established under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Industry and Ni-Vanuatu Business. It was established in 1998 under the name of the National Tourism Development Office (NTDO). Prior to that there was the National Tourism Office (NTO) established as a statutory body to promote and facilitate tourism development in Vanuatu.
c. Contact details for the Principal Administrative Officer of the Department of Tourism
Director Paul Pio
Department of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism Trade Commerce and Ni Vanuatu Business
PMB 9099
Tel: 33400
Email: tourism.gov.vu
d. The particulars of the Department of Tourism finances
scroll down to page 146 on the link provided to see the department of Tourism Particulars of finance https://doft.gov.vu/images/2024/Budget/2024%20Volume%203%20Budget%20Narrative.pdf
e. Directory of Department of Tourism officers and their roles and responsibilities
For quick access to our directory of staff and responsibilities, please visit our Staff Directory.
f. Organisational Structure
The decision-making process, including the channels of supervision and accountability, is reflected in the structure of the organisation which can be seen at this link.
g. Department of Tourism information-keeping systems
Our main record-keeping system is the Tourism Permit and Accreditation System. More information about the system here.
This system houses all tourism permit and accreditation information stored by the Department of Tourism, including permits and accreditations issued by the Department.
it is hoped that in the future a registry will be publicly released on an annual basis for public information and the Department of Tourism is working with the Department of Industry to develop an online process that will make the system even more accessible to the public.
Information can be retrieved by contacting the relevant officers:
Geraldine Tari
Principal Accreditation Officer
Elma Didas
Assessment and Inspection Officer
The tourism operator's permit and accreditation status are provided upon registration and provision of the physical tourism permit.
The Department of Tourism does not store client financial information in our systems.
Forms related to this system can be found here.
Safe Business Operations accreditation is a secondary system that has been maintained by the Department of Tourism.
This program is currently marked for review and there are plans to incorporate the standards into other health and hygiene standards for normal tourism accreditation.
All records related to this program are kept in a spreadsheet maintained by the Department of Tourism and records can be retrieved by contacting the relevant officers above.
h. Types of records held by the Department of Tourism
The Department of Tourism creates and stores electronic and hard-copy documents.
Types of information; policies, procedures and standards, briefings and reports, correspondence, meeting minutes and records, financial records, training and education material, employee records, operational records, images and videos, contracts, registers and records of accreditation and permitting.
Categories of documents include: accreditation, administration, business planning, training and education, financial management, and human resources.
The Department of Tourism makes many of these records available on this website. Please navigate to the page relevant to your interests for more information.
i. Services provided by the Department of Tourism
Our main role is to support the development of tourism in Vanuatu, with a focus on upgrading existing and new tourism products in all provinces of Vanuatu.
We also provide advice and assistance to tourism investors and international stakeholders.
j. Department of Tourism decisions and policies
Legislation and policies that govern and direct the operations, vision, and mission of the Department of Tourism include:
- National Sustainable Development Plan
- Sustainable Tourism Policy
- Provincial Sustainable Tourism Management Plan
These documents and more can be found on our website here.
k. Department of Tourism consultation process and community feedback
Department of Tourism consults with stakeholders and collects community feedback through many of the projects it runs on an ongoing basis.
To submit your feedback or find out more about consultation processes please get in touch via chat or comment on our Facebook page or reach out through our contact page.
l. Accessing Department of Tourism Records
Publicly accessible Department of Tourism records can be accessed here.
To access records within our information systems please refer to the above point “g”.
m. Submitting complaints
To submit your feedback or find out more about consultation processes please get in touch via chat or comment on our Facebook page or reach out through our contact page.
n. RTI Officer Contact Details
Tiro Leo
Right To Information & Communications Officer
Department of Tourism
Email:
Tel: 33400
Further Information
Further information is available in the news feed of our website.