Small tourism operators in Torba Province will receive support after Carnival Cruise Line donated essential items to help strengthen guesthouse, bungalow and homestay businesses preparing to welcome visitors.

From a press release it states that the donation was handed over during Carnival Adventure’s visit to Port Vila on Friday, with the cruise line providing 600 drinking glasses, 1,500 plates and bowls, and 300 tables to support tourism operators in Rah and Motalava ahead of the Public Service Day celebrations later this year.

Director of the Department of Tourism, Paul Pio, formally received the donated items on behalf of the beneficiary operators and thanked Carnival Cruise Line for its continued partnership with Vanuatu’s tourism sector.

“We truly appreciate Carnival’s continued partnership and commitment to the growth of Vanuatu’s tourism industry. This gesture will make a tangible difference to the small business owners in our remote provinces.”

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President External Affairs, Sandy Olsen, said the company was pleased to support communities in a destination valued by its guests.

“We thank the Department of Tourism for ensuring this tableware reaches tourism operators who need it most. Vanuatu is a much-loved destination for our guests and an important part of our South Pacific itineraries.”

The donation comes as many small tourism operators continue recovering from economic challenges over the past two years.

Vice-Chairlady of the Public Service Day 2026 organising committee, Lopanga Yerta Ores, said the support would help host communities in Rah and Motalava prepare to welcome visitors during the week-long event in Torba Province.

“We are excited and we are prepared. The communities of Rah and Motalava are ready to receive our guests, and this donation will greatly assist our hosts in providing a warm and comfortable welcome.”

She said smaller tourism operators on remote islands often face challenges, making support from partners such as Carnival Cruise Line and the Department of Tourism important.

The ceremony was also attended by Director General of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Noah Patrick Kouback, who presented a plaque of appreciation to Carnival Adventure Captain Francesco Bencivenga and his team in recognition of the cruise line’s contribution to Vanuatu communities.

The donated items will be distributed to tourism operators in Rah and Motalava ahead of the Public Service Day event scheduled for October 2026.