Strengthening market research, insights and data collection through MOU between Carnival Corporation & plc and the Vanuatu Tourism Office

The Vanuatu Tourism Office, signed a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday, 27th of February 2025 with Carnival Corporation & plc, representing several international cruise lines within the Carnival Group.

The signing occurred during the Carnival Cruise conference at Warwick Le Lagon, Port Vila, which formalized the transition of P&O Cruises to Carnival Cruise as announced to the Government of Vanuatu, Stakeholders and Industry Partners. P&O Cruises, a 93-year-old brand, has long provided cruise opportunities in the South Pacific. Carnival Cruise is determined to continue P&O’s legacy in the region, including bringing visitors to Vanuatu shores, particularly Mystery Island and Luganville Santo.

In its efforts to understand market demand through consumer sentiments, research and insights from the market to guide tourism market and promotion investments, the Office commenced such partnerships with the major cruise lines to agree to share aggregated date and research information. This is the second agreement the Vanuatu Tourism Office has signed with a major cruise company visiting Vanuatu, aligning with the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2021 to 2025 and the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Policy 2030.

The agreement will enable the Vanuatu Tourism Office and the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics to enhance research & data for the cruise market through sharing aggregated data and the delivery of the cruise consumer sentiment survey. This data and report will assist the Department of Tourism in providing business advise and support to the industry where it is most needed and to aid also in reviewing policies to adapt and cater for the growing cruise market in Vanuatu. Carnival Cruise also reaffirmed its commitment to the Vanuatu community, particularly its ongoing support of the Pro-Medical team, Pro -Rescue, Progress Pikinini and the Vanuatu beach volleyball.

Mr Junior Gaetan Pikioune, Mrs. Adela Issachar Aru, Ms. Teresa Lloyd and Mr. Michael Mihajlov at the signing of the MOU at Warwick Le Lagon, Resort.

This collaboration will facilitate further discussions, data sharing, and insights to understand cruise traveler preferences and patterns. This will enable the Vanuatu Government to guide policy directives to better equip the local tourism industry, especially recreational activities, emerging interests and restaurant and food operators, to cater to cruise visitors.

The signing was witnessed by the Prime Minister of Vanuatu Hon. Jotham Napat, the Australian Minister for International Development Hon. Pat Conroy, Vanuatu Government Ministers, Carnival Australia Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Port Vila Municipality Lady Mayor, Her Excellency Jenny Tasale and other relevant government representatives and partners of the Carnival Cruises who attended the conference.

The Vanuatu Tourism Office gratefully acknowledges the ongoing assistance of our development partners, the Australian High Commission, the New Zealand High Commission, Carnival Corporation & plc, the Department of Tourism and the cruise industry partners for their collaboration in making this milestone possible.