The sun is shining down again on Vanuatu, as tourism to the destination slowly recovers after last month’s category five cyclone.
Over the weekend, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) eased its advice to the popular South Pacific destination from ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ to ‘exercise normal safety precautions’.
This comes after weeks of local and international aid in restoring Vanuatu’s homes, buildings, resorts, communication and water supplies.
“Tropical Cyclone Pam caused significant and widespread damage in Vanuatu. However, tourist infrastructure is being repaired and essential services restored.”
DFAT
Vanuatu Tourism Office’s Australian representative welcomed the change, saying it was another step in the right direction to rebuilding the important tourism industry.
One side of the market is devoted to crafts now, because the seaside vendor stalls were destroyed. It’s a temporary measure, but it helps.
Posted by Humans of Vanuatu on Monday, April 20, 2015
The island nation says it doesn’t have official figures on tourist cancellations, however, did explain that cancellations have been felt by tourism companies, particularly those in Espiritu Santo, which experienced minimal damage from the cyclone.
“The people in Vanuatu have been working tirelessly to repair damage done by Tropical Cyclone Pam and reopen their hotels, businesses and tours and this downgrade by DFAT helps instil a confidence in Australians that Vanuatu is back up and running and able to host tourists.”
Anne Morris, Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) Australian representative
Ms Morris said over half the resorts and restaurants in Port Vila are now open to visitors and Espiritu Santo remains fully operational.
Among the properties back up and running in Port Vila include Angelfish Cove Villa; Benjor Beach Club; Coconut Palms Resort; Kaiviti Motel;
Lagoon Beach Resort; Quest Apartments; and more.
Cocoa Beach Resort in Port Vila has also reopened, with only the roof of the lower part of the restaurant requiring repairs; and Warwick Lagon Resort & Spa is opened for business with limited facilities and reduced inventory.
“Cancellations have been felt by tourism companies around Vanuatu and as this is such an important part of their economy, we need people to put Vanuatu back on their holiday plans for the rest of 2015.”
Anne Morris, Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) Australian representative
Earlier this month, Vanuatu’s islands welcomed the first load of cruisers since the cyclone.
Pacific Dawn visited Port Vila during a South Pacific cruise, bringing some 1,900 passengers with her.
Pacific Dawn returned to Vanuatu earlier this month.
Pacific Pearl followed Dawn three days later. In addition to bringing travellers to fuel the economy, the two ships also delivered shipments of humanitarian aid such as building material to support reconstruction efforts.
To help bring travellers to the destination, Vanuatu has started a new social media hashtag compaign, urging anyone who has holidayed in Vanuatu previously to share their Vanuatu holiday snaps on social media with the hashtags #YourHolidayHelps and #DiscoverVanuatu.
Featured image: Humans of Vanuatu/Facebook
