The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) and the Royal Caribbean Group have entered into a significant agreement aimed at strengthening cruise tourism in Vanuatu. This strategic partnership will drive research, inform development plans, and promote the growth of Vanuatu’s cruise tourism sector, all aligned with the Vanuatu Tourism Sustainable Strategy (2021-2025).
The agreement fosters collaboration between the two organizations, prioritizing visitor research and data sharing. This will provide invaluable insights into cruise traveler preferences, sentiments, and spending habits. The data gathered will be instrumental in informing the Vanuatu Government and its partners in shaping policies that empower local tourism operators to cater effectively to cruise visitors.
The signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Honorable Minister of Trade and Commerce, representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Governance for Growth, Market Development Facility, Australian High Commission, New Zealand High Commission, the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Department of Tourism, the Royal Caribbean Group, and the Vanuatu Tourism Office.
During the event, the Hon. Bob Loughman Weibur, Minister of Trade and Commerce, highlighted the evolving expectations of contemporary cruise passengers. “Today’s cruise passengers seek immersive experiences and authentic interactions with local cultures and communities. They desire not just to see but to connect with our heritage, traditions, and natural beauty. Therefore, it is imperative that we take actionable steps to enhance our services, whether through guided tours, cultural events, or sustainable practices that protect our environment,” he stated.
The Vanuatu Tourism Office’s business intelligence team, in collaboration with the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, will lead the implementation of cruise-related research. This initiative will directly inform the Department of Tourism’s efforts in executing the Vanuatu Sustainable Cruise Development Strategy.
The CEO of the Vanuatu Tourism Office emphasized the significance of this partnership, particularly following the return of cruise tourism to Vanuatu in November 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we welcome back cruise ships, it is crucial to gather fresh travel information, data, and insights from cruise liners like the Royal Caribbean Group and our visitors. This agreement enables us and our partners to improve planning, enhance marketing efforts, and drive the recovery of the cruising sector with the aim of increasing visitor yield and spending in Vanuatu,” the CEO stated.
Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director for Royal Caribbean International AUNZ, expressed enthusiasm for the strengthened partnership. “We are delighted to support Vanuatu’s economic growth through cruise tourism. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Vanuatu Government and are excited to deepen our collaboration with the Vanuatu Tourism Office.”
The Vanuatu Tourism Office acknowledged the support of the Government of Vanuatu, the Department of Tourism, the New Zealand High Commission, the Australian High Commission, the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, Governance for Growth, and the Market Development Facility in making this milestone possible.
This agreement marks a pivotal step forward in enhancing Vanuatu’s position as a premier destination for cruise tourism, ensuring that the sector continues to contribute to the country’s economic growth and sustainable development.
