Tourism across Vanuatu is showing signs of diversification, with cruise ships increasingly stopping at outer island destinations such as Santo, Tanna, and Mystery Island—rather than focusing solely on Port Vila.

According to the latest report from the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, more than 11,000 people arrived in Vanuatu by air in May 2025. Of this total, 7,103 were international visitors—a decrease of 11% compared to April. Despite the dip, holidaymakers continue to make up the majority of arrivals, accounting for 79% of all visitors.

Australia remains Vanuatu’s largest tourism market, with Australians comprising 62% of all international air arrivals in May.

Meanwhile, cruise ship trends are shifting. Only two cruise ships visited Vanuatu in May, down from seven in April, but they brought 3,116 day visitors to ports outside of the capital. This marks a positive development for tourism operators and communities in more remote areas of the country.

The tourism figures are sourced from Customs and Immigration systems and published monthly by the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).