Penama Province is exploring ways to increase the marketing of its tourism sites following a successful revenue boost from the popular Nangol activity, which generated over 3 million Vatu in tourism revenue in April last year.

Penama Tourism Manager, William Smith Mala, highlighted that a cruise ship carrying more than 300 tourists to South Pentecost contributed to the impressive revenue. The funds were distributed among local transport operators, participants in the Nangol jump, Nangol owners, market vendors, and handicraft producers, directly benefiting rural communities.

“This money is to pay out local transports, people jumping on the Nangol, Nangol owners, market vendors, and handicrafts. So, this money has come in directly from the rural communities,” Mr. Mala explained.

Joseph Bule, a local agent of the Nangol tour from Ramputor Village, South Pentecost, announced that the Nangol season will take place again in April. He urged villagers to set aside their differences and embrace the visitors.

“I think it’s best for us to stop all our quarreling because it paints a bad picture for us,” Mr. Bule said. “We all want to show our culture and receive income from it.”

In the past, the Nangol event has drawn tourists from places like the United States and Europe, causing local bungalows to be fully booked.

According to Day Independent Travel Guest, between January and March, over 80 tourists visited to witness the land diving ceremony, with numbers fluctuating based on available flights.

Mr. Mala pointed out that while Pentecost is known for its Nangol, Maewo has its waterfalls, and Ambae is renowned for its cultural dances, the lack of significant investment has made it difficult for tourists to notice these attractions.

“Just imagine if there was good marketing for these activities. They would be part of the Penama Triangle Adventure, and more revenue would flow into the province,” Bule said.

The tourism office is working to help local businesses improve their offerings and meet international standards. “The office is here to work with product development, communities, and individual operators to make their products market-ready,” Mr. Bule added. “We aim to help operators meet the standards of guesthouses, tour guides, transport, and other tourism services.”

Nangol, a traditional ceremony held in South Pentecost, involves men jumping from a 20-30-meter-high wooden tower with a rope tied around their ankles, aiming to touch the ground with their heads. The practice is believed to bring good yam harvests and typically takes place between April and June.