The latest International Visitor Arrivals update from the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics shows a strong rise in visitor numbers for January 2026, led by both air arrivals and cruise tourism.

According to the report released on 8 April 2026, 9,657 international visitors arrived in Vanuatu by air, representing a 44 percent increase compared to January 2025.

Holiday travel remained the main reason for visits, accounting for 77 percent of all air arrivals, while Australia remained Vanuatu’s largest tourism market, making up 63 percent of all international visitors by air.

Cruise tourism also made a major contribution to January’s numbers, with 11 cruise ships bringing 36,017 day visitors, representing 79 percent of all visitors during the month.

The Bureau says the average stay for visitors arriving by air was 10 days, while the average visitor age was 36 years old.

The report also notes that total arrivals by air reached 12,113, including both residents and visitors, while total departures stood at 14,882.

The strong performance reflects continued momentum in Vanuatu’s tourism recovery, especially from the Australian market and cruise sector.