As Vila recovers from category five Cyclone Pam, Santo’s tourism operators say they are still open for business and can accommodate travellers keen on visiting Vanuatu.
The ‘monster’ cyclone hit the island nation late last week, bringing with it winds of over 300 kilometres per hour.
So far, around 24 people have been killed and there are fears the number will rise as rescue teams move to the outer islands.
Around 3,300 or 70 percent of the population is believed to be displaced and there are concerns that diseases may spread due to a lack of clean water. Read on
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), tourists have started to make their way off the islands on international flights, which are now operating as normal.
Domestic flights are not yet operational and a number of resorts and properties in popular Vila have sustained damage.
However, on the island of Santo, hoteliers say they were ‘blessed’ to have only experience minor damage as the cyclone grazed past.
“We have clean water, power and plenty of food.”
Beverley Anti, Village de Santo
Anti stressed that all resorts and business are operating as normal. The only thing out of the ordinary is that communications are down because the Turtle Bay Resort satellite system is being used by the community to send emails and obtain information on Port Vila’s situation.
Despite their positive stance, she said travellers on the island are looking to return home, which she fears will impact Vanuatu’s economy.
She said resorts are receiving ‘overwhelming’ cancellations and is worried about the impact this will have on Vanuatu’s economy.
“If our Island can keep receiving visitors, businesses in Santo will survive the crisis situation in the months to come.”
Beverley Anti, Village de Santo
“This in turn will support many local people who will be able to support their families in Port Vila to rebuild their lives.”
“Until Port Vila is rebuilds, Santo can and will continue as usual.”
Vanuatu Tourism Office has recommended Australians with holidays booked to affected islands over the next month consider postponing their travel until later in the year.
However, Australian Director, Sarah Anderson said those booked to travel to Espiritu Santo should continue with their holidays as planned because ‘the island is in good condition’.
Reports from resorts on Espiritu Santo state:
Bokissa Private Island Resort: No structural damage.
Oyster Island Resort: Minimal damage. Resort has power and is open.
Barrier Beach House: Minor damage.
Ratua Private Island: Minimal damage. The resort will not be accepting any arrivals on or before 27 March, 2015. For any guests travelling in this period they will waive any cancellation fees. The resort is currently assessing the situation for those travelling after 27 March, 2015 although they envisage the resort to be operational by then.
Village de Santo: Open for business.
Moyyan House by the Sea: No damage. Operating as normal.
