The Government of Vanuatu has taken steps to provide temporary relief to the impacted tourism industry due to the aviation disruption connectivity issue.
Supporting the Tourism sector during such challenging times is crucial for the economy of Vanuatu, given the significant role tourism plays in the country’s overall economy.
Temporary relief measures in the next 30 to 60 days to assist impacted tourism industry members is to provide a wage subsidization program to industry members who are now at the verge of laying off their employees because of impact to their cash flow situation due to the reduced aviation connectivity.
By supporting the tourism industry during this difficult period, the Government can help businesses survive and eventually thrive once the aviation connectivity issue is resolved.
Hon. Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas states that “the Government is providing this relief support cautioning all major hotels and resorts to not lay off staff as they are important resources to the delivery of hospitality services to all guests and visitors in Vanuatu. The Government is assessing all efforts to provide relief measures where it is needed most.”
The Government will also consider exempting all tourism businesses license fees in 2025 as a relief support for their continuity of businesses into the new year.
It is important for the Government to work closely with industry stakeholders to understand their needs and to develop effective relief measures that can make a meaningful difference. This collaborative approach can help ensure that the support provided is targeted and addresses the challenged faced by the businesses in the Tourism sector.
The Government has now appointed the Ministerial Taskforce to review and approve all aviation proposals received by the Government from the following airlines: Quantas/Jetstar, Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, Solomon Airlines and Nauru Airlines.
These proposals are from reputable aviation partners in the region who will help restore aviation connectivity and capacity to assist the aviation connectivity issue soon once approved.
Domestic flight reconnections are also under review with technical considerations and approvals from the relevant authorities such as Ernest & Young and the Civil Aviation Authority before an announcement is made on recommencement.
The Government is committed to support the tourism industry during this challenging time as essential for helping Vanuatu’s economy recover and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector in the country.
Press Release
