The Vanuatu Government has identified the Seafront area in Port Vila as a temporary solution for tendering cruise ship passengers, paving the way for the return of cruise ships to Port Vila.
Director of the Department of Tourism (DoT), Paul Pio, said a rapid assessment was conducted in collaboration with a company supported by the New Zealand government. The assessment focused on the structural integrity of the Seafront area.
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Tourism vendors on Mystery Island, located to the south of Vanuatu, are experiencing extensive challenges due to the ongoing lockdown of Port Vila's Central Business District (CBD) following the devastating earthquake on December 17, 2024.
Tourism vendors have had difficulties accessing products to sell, as Port Vila—an essential hub for importing goods—remains inaccessible.
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With 70% of the tourism sector currently operational, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has assured a positive message for international aviation and cruise visitors that Vanuatu is still open for business.
Director of the DoT, Paul Pio, said although the Port Vila main wharf is badly damaged with no available access, the two cruise hubs in Mystery Island and Santo are operational and receiving tourists.
“At this stage, the cruise ships scheduled in January, which are en route to Port Vila, have been directed to Mystery Island and Santo, so this has provided some relief to the business community. Although it’s not in Efate, at least our two cruise hubs have covered it,” he said.
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Tuesday, 20th August 2024 – Port-Vila, Vanuatu: The Department of Tourism (DoT), in partnership with the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP), announce the launch of the 2024 National Tourism Product Audit today.
The Vanuatu tourism industry is a vital component of the nation's economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange earnings and cultural exchange. However, to ensure the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the sector in a rapidly changing global landscape, a thorough audit of the industry is essential.
This comprehensive tourism industry audit program will be carried out by a team of experts selected and hired through VSP, working in close collaboration with the DOT.
“Understanding the state of the tourism product development is central for maintaining Vanuatu's competitive edge in the global tourism market and ensuring that visitors access a diverse and satisfactory experience. “says Paul Pio, Director of the Department of Tourism.
The audit is designed to address several priority areas identified by the DOT, using a tailor-made audit tool developed by VSP's tourism coaches. This tool will enable auditors to systematically assess critical aspects of each tourism operator, providing a detailed understanding of the current status and potential of the industry.
"We are delighted to support this national tourism product audit, which is a significant step towards enhancing the quality and competitiveness of our tourism experiences. Our Partnership with the Department of Tourism ensures that our tourism products not only meet international standards but also reflect the unique cultural heritage and natural beauty that Vanuatu has to offer. This initiative is a testament to our shared commitment to sustainable development and the continuous improvement of our nation's tourism sector." says Mr. Fremden SHADRACK, Director of the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP).
The roll-out of this audit will be planned to cover high-demand area first before assessing the rest of the industry. The primary focus of the audit is the bed and room inventory throughout the six provinces. This area has become particularly urgent due to the recent aviation crisis as well as the anticipated increase in air capacity with the additional flights from Qantas, Jetstar, Air Niugini, Solomon Airlines and Fiji Airways.
The liquidation of Vanuatu's national airline, Air Vanuatu, has disrupted established routes but has also created opportunities for other airlines to establish new routes into Vanuatu. With more seats soon to be available, the Vanuatu Government through the Department of Tourism, is keen to ensure that there will be sufficient accommodation to meet the expected influx of visitors. Accurately assessing the current bed and room inventory is thus a top priority, informing strategic decisions to enhance accommodation capacity and distribution across the islands.
Beyond accommodation, the audit will also evaluate the status of the product development among tourism operators. This involves assessing the range and quality of tourism products and services currently offered, identifying gaps, and highlighting opportunities for enhancement.
Accessibility is also a key criterion in the audit. The physical accessibility to and within tourism sites, as well as the availability of information and services for visitors with disabilities. Enhancing accessibility is not only a matter of inclusivity and social responsibility but also a strategic imperative to attract a wider range of visitors, including those with special needs.
Market readiness is another critical area of focus. The audit will assess operators' preparedness to effectively engage with both domestic and international markets. This includes examining marketing strategies, promotional materials, and overall market positioning. For Vanuatu to capitalize on new opportunities and attract a broader audience, it is essential that tourism operators are equipped to meet the demands and preferences of diverse visitor segments.
The comprehensive audit will provide a wealth of data and insights, forming a robust foundation for strategic planning and development within the Vanuatu tourism industry. By identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, the audit will enable the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) and other stakeholders to make informed decisions that promote sustainable tourism growth and resilience.
After a four-year hiatus, Tok Tok Vanuatu has returned, with the first delegates arriving to engage in a bustling schedule of connecting with tourism operators to bolster future tourism growth.
The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) is strategically collaborating with the travel industry in their primary markets: Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. This partnership is vital as it aids the marketing presence in these core markets, reaching diverse potential visitors and driving tangible business outcomes for Vanuatu.
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