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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Vanuatu Tourism Showcases Resilience and Unity at South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2025 in Nadi Friday, May 30, 2025Vanuatu proudly showcased its unwavering resilience and unity during its participation at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) held in Nadi, Fiji, on the 9th and 10th of May 2025.As the largest regional Pacific tourism trade show, SPTE is organized by the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), bringing together a diverse network of tourism businesses, national tourism offices, aviation partners, and global travel stakeholders.The event offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, networking, and business growth across the Pacific tourism sector.Strong Representation from Vanuatu Tourism SectorVanuatu’s delegation featured eleven (11) tourism operators alongside the national tourism office, all working collaboratively to promote the destination’s unique offerings and strengthen business partnerships. Participating operators included prominent names such as Adventure in Paradise, Iririki Island Resort and Spa, Warwick Le Lagon Resort, Whitegrass Ocean Resort, Holiday Inn Resort, Ramada Resort, Breakas Beach Resort, Bountiful Tours & Transfers, Atmosphere Tours & Transfers, Island Tours, and the Vanuatu Travel Information Centre.This extensive representation underscores the destination’s commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of products — from luxury resorts and adventure experiences to cultural tours and eco-tourism offerings.2,500 Strategic Meetings: A Testament to Vanuatu’s Tourism PotentialOver the two-day event, the Vanuatu team conducted approximately 2,500 meetings with international buyers and travel partners. These interactions focused on reinforcing existing relationships, exploring new business opportunities, and promoting Vanuatu’s tourism resilience despite recent challenges, including natural disasters and connectivity disruptions.Vanuatu’s participation aligns with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Government of Vanuatu’s strategic framework which emphasizes sustainable tourism growth, disaster resilience, and enhanced global engagement. The government’s official tourism website highlights efforts to rebuild and reposition Vanuatu as a safe and attractive destination post-adversity, supporting livelihoods and economic recovery through tourism.Emphasizing Vanuatu’s Open-Door Policy and Recovery EffortsA central theme throughout the SPTE meetings was Vanuatu’s readiness and enthusiasm to welcome visitors. Despite hardships faced in 2024, including significant earthquake events, the nation’s capital, Port Vila, has demonstrated a swift recovery. This restoration of normalcy is a tribute to the coordinated efforts of government authorities, tourism stakeholders, and development partners.Adela Issachar Aru, CEO of the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), remarked, “Port Vila’s swift recovery has been extraordinary, showing the determination of our Government and people to immediately address normalcy back into the system for our livelihoods and capital city. Our Government, business communities, development partners, and stakeholders came together to identify solutions to re-open the CBD area by addressing areas of risk to ensure a safe city redevelopment.”Visitors can continue to enjoy authentic cultural experiences, recreational activities, and warm Vanuatu hospitality, with accessible travel options to outer islands such as Tanna and Santo coordinated through reliable channels like the Vanuatu Travel Information Centre.Positive Feedback from Tourism Operators and BuyersTourism operators attending SPTE reported the event as highly beneficial in positioning Vanuatu on the international stage.Asha Boeshula from Bountiful Tours emphasized, “Participating in SPTE 2025 has been an incredible opportunity for Bountiful Tours and Transfers Vanuatu. We connected with a wide range of international buyers and regional partners, creating valuable networks and new business opportunities that will directly contribute to our company’s and the wider tourism sector’s growth.”Similarly, Lyndal Marsh of Whitegrass Ocean Resort in Tanna shared, “SPTE 2025 was a successful networking event that strengthened existing business friendships and introduced exciting new buyers. Despite 2024’s challenges, Vanuatu remains an agile and beautiful tourism destination. I engaged with 49 buyers from markets including Australia, Europe, North America, India, and Asia. The demand for ‘path less travelled’ experiences and South Pacific island-hopping adventures remains strong, with renewed interest from short-haul agents promoting Vanuatu to Australia and New Zealand clients.”Rashmi Tulsiani, representing the Holiday Inn Resort, noted the event’s importance in welcoming new buyers and emerging markets while reconnecting with established partners. She highlighted a shared commitment among buyers towards sustainability and responsible tourism in Vanuatu.Warwick Le Lagon’s Ramzy Shibani reflected on the significance of SPTE post-earthquake: “The event was a great chance to reconnect with business partners and explore new opportunities, especially from Europe and the US, helping us move forward after last December’s earthquake.”The Strategic Role of SPTE and Government Tourism InitiativesSPTE serves as a critical platform within the Pacific Tourism Organization’s broader strategy to enhance regional tourism competitiveness, sustainability, and collaboration. The Pacific region’s tourism goals emphasize responsible travel development, cultural preservation, and disaster resilience — all priorities reflected in Vanuatu’s approach.Government tourism websites such as Vanuatu’s Ministry of Tourism and the SPTO reinforce the importance of trade events like SPTE in fostering international business relationships, expanding market reach, and supporting recovery efforts post-natural disasters.Encouraging Future Growth and Sustainable TourismThe collaboration witnessed at SPTE aligns with Vanuatu’s National Tourism Strategy, which promotes sustainable tourism practices, diversification of offerings, and investment in tourism infrastructure. The government actively supports initiatives to improve connectivity, enhance visitor safety, and expand community-based tourism.Vanuatu’s participation at SPTE signals a united front between the public and private sectors, emphasizing resilience and optimism. The event also offered a sponsorship-driven giveaway contest, engaging buyers and sellers through interactive knowledge testing on Vanuatu’s attractions, cultural highlights, and flight connectivity—further reinforcing the destination’s visibility.Conclusion: Vanuatu’s Tourism Sector Poised for Continued GrowthThe South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2025 was a vital milestone for Vanuatu Tourism. It highlighted the destination’s rapid recovery, strong business acumen, and warm hospitality, reassuring the global travel community of Vanuatu’s readiness to welcome visitors.VTO and government authorities extend gratitude to the tourism operators for their investment and commitment, and to the international buyers for their enthusiastic participation. This spirit of collaboration is crucial to rebuilding and growing Vanuatu’s tourism sector sustainably.As outlined on official government portals, the future of Vanuatu tourism lies in partnership, innovation, and maintaining the authentic, unforgettable experiences that make the islands a bucket-list favorite for adventure and cultural travelers alike.
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