A new online platform launched will help tourism operators and businesses apply for and renew their permits through the internet.
The platform is called the Online Accreditation Platform.
Principal Accreditation Officer at the Department of Tourism, Geraldine Tari, said the new system means local tour operators and business owners in rural areas will no longer need to travel to town, fill out a lot of paperwork, or face delays like before. They can now register online.
Geraldine Tari, Principal Accreditation Officer, Department of Tourism:
“With this launching of the platform, we know that many operators don’t know how to use this tool. Our tourism officers in the provinces are equipped to support them. Especially with challenges of connectivity, we can use the office to give additional support.”
Officer Tari explained that the online process is much faster compared to before.
“This online platform will mean the operator won’t take too much of its time. Currently it takes a week to receive the permit, but with this new platform you can receive it within less than 24 hours.”
Local tour operator Clement Noulack was the first to register on the platform, and he said the new process is much simpler.
Clement Noulack – Owner, Green Land Tour:
“I see that this is good. You that live in the rural area, if you want to operate a project, you just sit with good internet, fill in the details and send. Then you wait for the response and continue with additional papers. This is so easy.”
Acting Director General Joe Ligo said the Online Accreditation Platform is not just a technology upgrade, but an important tool to strengthen governance, support recovery, and make doing business in Vanuatu easier.
He said the system will ensure all operators across all islands have equal access to essential government services.
He also said digital transformation has become an important step for the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, and the new system will help make government more connected, transparent, and responsive to public needs.
