Vanuatu may have had a rough run over the last 18 months with bad weather, runway issues and road accidents, but none of these events have or will affect tourism in the long run.
According to Vanuatu Tourism Organisation’s General Manager, Linda Kalpoi, the island nation is resilient, particularly when it comes to rebuilding and maintaining arrivals.
Speaking to KarryOn in Sydney last week at the Vanuatu Roadshow, Kalpoi explained that the communal attitude amongst Agents attending the three-city (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) event is that these incidents could have happened anywhere.
“I got a feeling from Agents that there was nothing that will tarnish Vanuatu in any way or form.”
Linda Kalpoi, Vanuatu Tourism Organisation General Manager
Whether it be weather-related or an aviation issue, Kalpoi said the Australian market is always quick and to return, and remains the number one market for the destination, making up 60 percent of all international arrivals.
Touching on the recent bus collision in Port Vila, which involved 12 P&O Cruises guests, Kalpoi expressed her sympathies to those affected and said it was a very unfortunate accident.
The entire Vanuatu delegation at last week’s Vanuatu Roadshow in Sydney.
“We are saddened by the accident, which involved P&O guests and locals. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected.”
Kalpoi said the roadshow also aimed to give Agents an update after last year’s Cyclone, which had damaged a few properties and schools.
She said the destination is now fully recovered, with all shops, restaurants and hoteliers open for business.
In regards to the Port Vila runway which had sustained damage during the Cyclone, the VTO GM said a temporary fix has been completed and Virgin Australia has returned to the destination. A more permanent solution is in the works. Vanuatu’s government is apparently in talks with the World Bank for funding to commission a complete remodeling of the international gateway.
Kalpoi said the government is hoping to open an international airport in the future that could handle long range aircraft.
Other upgrades in Vanuatu include new port infrastructure that will allow the destination to handle two cruise ships in a single day.
Click here for images from the Vanuatu Roadshow in Sydney.