The cruise ship that arrived on Friday last week, showed that many visitors are more interested in taking tours around the island.

Frank George, a shareholder of Fas Tours, told VBTC News that after eight months of cruise ships returning to Port Vila, many tourists prefer visiting custom villages, natural sites, buying Vanuatu-made products, and touring around Efate Island.

He said fewer tourists are interested in buying souvenirs, and many souvenirs sold in town are from overseas, especially China.

“For example, we took them to Tanna Coffee where they saw how coffee is made, then to a chocolate factory that uses cocoa from Malo, Epi, and Aore. We also visited 83 Island where they tasted a drink made from Vanuatu sugarcane,” Mr George said.

At the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, museum guide Edgar Hinge confirmed that many visitors came to learn more about Vanuatu’s history.
“It was short but good. Many tourists are interested in our history,” he said.

Two local women selling products shared mixed experiences. One said, “It is good to have the cruise ship back, but most tourists prefer going on tours, so some mothers don’t get much income.” Another said she didn’t earn much money that day.

Today, another cruise ship, the Carnival Encounter, arrived in Port Vila with over 2,000–3,000 tourists