Vanuatu is reopening its borders with a bang, launching a brand-new ‘Welkam Back!’ marketing campaign to lure travellers back to the Pacific Island nation with a stunning showcase of the rich local culture and kastom and all the tourism offerings available.
International travellers will be able to move freely around all the Vanuatu islands again from 1 July 2022 and Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru said the marketing campaign uses the distinctive conch shell sound to convey a warm welcome and personal invitation from the Ni-Vanuatu people for Australians to visit once borders are open.
“In Vanuatu, the sound of a conch shell being blown is used to call together communities and friends and the Welkam Back! campaign is designed to remind our visitors of the life-changing moments a holiday in Vanuatu offers,” she said.
“Visitors to Vanuatu often feel a strong bond with the people and places here, as they can easily connect with our pristine nature, deeply held culture and the fun, light-hearted spirit of the Vanuatu people.
“We know that the experiences holidaymakers have in Vanuatu touch their hearts and change their perspective – this campaign showcases the incredible experiences and stays that Vanuatu offers and the rich kastom and culture that connects deeply with those who visit our shores.”
The Welkam Back! campaign is a virtual call of the conch from Vanuatu’s tourism industry as well and comes off the back of the announcement of Virgin Australia’s direct Brisbane to Port Vila services, commencing 10 March 2023.
Vanuatu Tourism Office short-haul market manager Paul Pio said: “The relaunch of Vanuatu is long-awaited and in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia, we are seeing a very strong level of enquiry and interest from trade and consumers who want to know how best to experience Vanuatu in 2022.”
The campaign launch precedes Vanuatu’s reopening on 1 July when international travellers can enter the country with a certified negative RAT within 24 hours of departure or a certificate of infection and recovery within 28 days of travel.
Want to know more? Head to vanuatu.travel/au