Director Paul Pio, who also serves as Recovery Manager for Tourism and Business, extended his heartfelt condolences to families who have lost loved ones and to victims recovering from injuries following the recent earthquake. He highlighted the resilience of the tourism sector, which has faced numerous challenges since the reopening of borders.
Within 72 hours of the earthquake, the Department of Tourism conducted rapid disaster impact assessments across Efate and Port Vila. Encouragingly, over 70% of tourism businesses reported being operational, a testament to the sector’s resilience. Efforts are now focused on ensuring tourism plays a significant role in the government’s recovery plans, with strong collaboration between public and private sectors.
Paul Pio emphasized the importance of aviation and cruise industries in supporting tourism recovery. International flights have resumed, allowing the country to continue welcoming visitors during the high season in December and January. Efforts are underway to maintain confidence in the international market, ensuring Vanuatu remains a preferred destination.
The earthquake has, however, caused structural damage to many tourism businesses. The Department of Tourism is working with partners to assess the situation and provide support, such as facilitating the import of materials for rebuilding. Detailed assessments are ongoing in Efate and Port Vila to determine the best government support programs for over 1,000 affected tourism businesses.
One of the critical concerns is the damaged main wharf, a hub for cruise ships. Access roads to the wharf remain inaccessible, and assessments are being conducted to ensure safety. As an alternative, efforts are being made to redirect cruise ships to Mystery Island or Santo, demonstrating that Vanuatu remains open for business even amidst challenges.
Looking ahead, the Department of Tourism is prioritizing collaborative recovery efforts, ensuring businesses, partners, and government stakeholders work together to rebuild the sector and restore confidence.
