TOURISM BUSINESS RECOVERY PROGRAM

Executive Summary: Tourism Business Recovery Program (Phase 2)

Vanuatu’s tourism sector continues to recover and strengthen amid ongoing operational and environmental challenges. Businesses face constraints such as limited flight connectivity to the outer islands, infrastructure and telecommunication limitations, and the ongoing impacts of natural disasters and climate-related events. Supporting tourism businesses to remain resilient and deliver safe, enjoyable, and memorable experiences for visitors is a priority for the Department of Tourism (DoT).

 Phase 2 of the Tourism Business Recovery Program (TBRP), developed under Pillar 3 of the Tourism Crisis Response and Recovery Plan, provides targeted support to tourism businesses across Vanuatu. The program is designed to assist businesses recovering from recent cyclones, the December 17, 2024 earthquake, and ongoing operational constraints, while enhancing their capacity to withstand future challenges.
The program’s criteria are aligned with the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Policy (2019-2030) and guided by activities within the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Strategy (2021-2025). Support will focus on businesses that demonstrate resilience, have adapted their business models, retained staff, reduced reliance on imported goods and services, improved waste management practices, and are progressing toward renewable energy adoption.

 Phase 2 TBRP aims to support business recovery, sustain operations, enhance facilities, and build long-term resilience. Eligible businesses are expected to clearly outline why they should participate, specify the type of support required, and provide evidence to inform monitoring and evaluation. This initiative reinforces Vanuatu’s commitment to a sustainable, competitive, and resilient tourism sector capable of delivering world-class visitor experiences despite operational and environmental challenges.

 Specific Criteria for Initial Assessment – Phase 2 TBRP:

 To be eligible for the Phase 2 Tourism Business Recovery Program (TBRP), tourism businesses must meet the following initial criteria:

 1.      Hold a valid 2025/2026 Certificate of Registration of Business issued by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC).

2.      Have been in operation for a minimum of two (2) years.

3.      Possess a valid 2026 Business License, paid in full on or before Tuesday, 31^st March 2026.

4.      Hold a current 2025/2026 Tourism Permit issued by the Department of Tourism.

5.      Sign and commit to a Code of Conduct that upholds the principles and goals of the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Policy (VSTP).

6.      Demonstrate engagement in relevant capacity-building programs, such as the Small Business Owner (SBO) training, Business Planning and Financial Literacy courses or others.

 Additional Requirements:

·       Tourism businesses must have obtained a Tourism Permit prior to 2025.

·         Support is available only to businesses that fall within the tourism categories listed on the Department of Tourism’s Business Recovery Program Information page [insert link].

 This initial assessment ensures that participating businesses are compliant, resilient and aligned with Vanuatu’s sustainable tourism objectives, positioning them to benefit effectively from program support. 

I.                              The Phase 2 Primary Objectives

 The Phase 2 Tourism Business Recovery Program (TBRP) is designed to provide practical support to tourism businesses across Vanuatu, helping them recover, strengthen operations, and build long-term resilience. The program focuses on six key areas of assistance only:

 ·         Energy Support

1.      Solar power System

2.      Solar lighting for business premises

·         Water Supply

1.      Water tank

2.      Water Pumps

·         Sanitation

1.      Toilet Set

2.      Hand Basin & Taps

·         Hospitality

1.      Beds & Mattress

·         Marketing

1.      Signage – Locally made

·         Infrastructure

1.      Roofing materials– Iron and/or traditional

click here to access the Application form