The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Australian Funded Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP), signed today the Partnership Implementation
Framework (PIF) 2023-2024 to continue delivering on key tourism development activities throughout the
country.
The signing ceremony took place today at VSP’s Headquarter in Port-Vila by the Director of the
Department of Tourism, Mr. Paul Pio and Director of VSP, Mr. Fremden Shadrack, and witnessed by the
Director General of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Mr. Jimmy Rantes.
From Left to Right: Director Fremden S (VSP), Director General Jimmy Rantes (MTC) and Director Paul Pio (DoT)
“The Ministry of Trade and Commerce, through the Department of Tourism, is putting a focus on strengthening the governance of the tourism products and to identify key support areas for recovery and growth in each of the six provinces. In line with our other sectoral initiatives under trade and commerce, our tourism products must meet international standards, hence this partnership is our renewed commitment to achieve our economic targets, to fast-track our recovery.” Says Mr. Jimmy Rantes, Director General of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce.
The collaboration framework includes a 12-month workplan with mutual understanding and contribution
to support the tourism program activities. The parties agree to cooperate in working towards the shared goal of supporting the development of an effective, decentralized and inclusive skills system that supports a fair, prosperous and sustainable Vanuatu with a specific focus on the inclusive development of ni-Vanuatu small business and employment within the tourism sectors through the implementation of skills development, market access and enhanced service delivery activities.
From Left to Right: Director Fremden S (VSP), Director General Jimmy Rantes (MTC) and Director Paul Pio (DoT)
“The Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) is proud to renew this important collaboration today and is committed to making sure that key tourism activities outlined in this plan are delivered in an inclusive and sustainable approach. Should there be any rising issues, or changes in priorities, we would always be happy to reconsider the agreement and work towards targeting those priorities. At the end of the day, we want to make sure that the services reach and benefits our people,” says Mr. Fremden Yanhambath, Director, Vanuatu Skills Partnership.
“We are grateful to VSP, as a key tourism product development partner, who continues to support our decentralized program activities throughout our six provinces. Both our teams have been reviewing our work plan and budget commitments, based on our Provincial Sustainable Tourism Management Plan (PSTM) with support from our provincial offices, to enhance the recovery activities that we anticipate will further strengthen our tourism product offerings.” says Mr. Paul Pio, Director of the Department of Tourism.