Following the passage of Cyclone Cook this weekend over the Vanuatu islands, Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) is pleased to advise it is business as usual in the islands and hotels and resorts are open as normal.
While a full assessment is still underway, VTO reports that there has been no significant damage to infrastructure and the tourism businesses on Efate (Port Vila), Espiritu Santo and Tanna are operational as normal.
Airports in Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna are open and receiving flights. International and domestic flights are operational. VTO advises all agents and consumers to check with airlines directly before travel for any schedule changes and updates.
The Vanuatu tourism industry is now turning its focus to Easter holidaymakers and those on school holiday visits.
Agents can visit vanuatuspecialists.com for more information.
Industry Updates: Post TC Cook
Industry Assessment
We have heard from all the provincial teams and everyone is safe and sound and again there is no report of damage which is great news and obviously communications are working .
• Santo communications are now all back up and running.
• All people who were evacuated in Port Vila are back in their homes,
• the road To Havannah Harbour is re-open
• volcano tours are operating as per normal
• there has been no additional media coverage
We have had communication from a range of additional operators over the last 24 hours and still there has been no reported damage.
Air Vanuatu
• Have moved 85% of passengers and schedules and passenger movements will be back to normal tomorrow (Aust/New Zealand)
• Have had limited cancelations – mainly those who have had connecting flights, advice is most have opted to keep their tickets rather than refund
• Most cancellations have been domestic based
• Noumea – the airport remains closed and is being assessed
The team at Air Vanuatu have worked tirelessly over the past few days to ensure we have had as little impact as possible – so big call out of thanks to them and we hope you get some rest over Easter.
Social Media Campaign: Post TC Cook
VTO has launched a social media campaign that is aimed at providing confidence and boosting a positive image for visitors post TC Cook. As part of this campaign VTO has contracted local photographer Nicky Kuautonga as the official photographer of the campaign. Images from the assignment are published daily on all social media channels. Properties should be expecting VTO staff and Kuautonga on site throughout the week, we kindly ask for everyone’s corporation in building this campaign.
(Source: Tam Tam Vanuatu Tourism Newsletter New Release 12 April 2017 Issue )
