Between 50 to 60 percent of cruise ship tourists are now coming ashore to spend money with local tour operators and businesses in Port Vila, following the recent earthquake.

Chief Executive Officer of the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), Adela Aru, confirmed the figures to VBTC News, saying the increase was recorded after cruise operations resumed using a temporary cruise passenger disembarkation point at the Seafront area..

Ms Aru said that out of more than 4,000 passengers on a cruise ship, only around 2,000 visitors are currently coming ashore. However, she noted that the percentage represents a significant improvement compared to previous years.

“We observed that after the earthquake, tourists were temporarily brought ashore at the Seafront area, and we estimate that around 50 to 60 percent of visitors came into the capital city,” Ms Aru said.

She explained that improved coordination, better public transport arrangements, and direct access to shops and retailers in the city have helped increase tourist participation.

“In the past, when the wharf was operating, feedback showed that less than 40 percent of visitors were coming ashore. This prompted us to work closely with cruise companies to find ways to encourage more tourists to leave the ship,” she said.

Ms Aru added that between 2015 and 2020, the Vanuatu Tourism Office introduced the Tourism Ambassador Programme, funded by the New Zealand Government, to train public transport operators and work with market vendors to better engage cruise visitors.

Port Vila is expected to receive eight more cruise ships this month, as the peak tourism season continues.

Local handicraft vendor Roy Thompson welcomed the increased tourist activity, saying visitors are showing strong interest in locally made products.

“This painting was done by my grandchild who is in Class 3. She earns her own money from this and helps pay her school fees,” Mr Thompson said.

A handicraft vendor encouraged more skills training in weaving and carving, particularly for young people.

“From one coconut shell, we can make more than 2,000 vatu. I believe it is time to teach young boys carving skills and young girls weaving skills,” he said.

Ms Aru said the Vanuatu Tourism Office aims to increase shore participation to 70 percent, especially as the peak season runs from October to March, when more cruise ships are expected to arrive.