Several accommodations in Vanuatu were temporarily closed due to damage from a recent earthquake or to allow safety checks to be conducted. However, many others remain fully operational, and recovery efforts are well underway, according to a spokesperson from the Vanuatu Tourism Office.
Tourism operators are currently focused on assisting guests in Port Vila, the capital, as a seven-day State of Emergency has been declared by the Vanuatu Government. The town of Port Vila has faced significant impact from the earthquake, and recovery efforts are in progress.
“The main priority is to support guests currently in Port Vila,” the spokesperson said. “While our focus remains on providing assistance, we are encouraged by the international support we have received. Once commercial flights resume, many tourism operators will be ready to welcome visitors back.”
Guests staying in affected properties have been relocated to accommodations that remain fully operational. Port Vila’s Bauerfield Airport has completed safety assessments, and the runway is functioning, though the airport remains closed to commercial flights for at least 72 hours to prioritize relief and medical evacuations.
Air Vanuatu has announced that domestic services have been suspended until further notice, and visitors are advised not to head to the airport, which is closed to commercial traffic. The airline’s contact center is also temporarily closed.
Despite the setbacks, the tourism sector remains hopeful that visitors will continue their travel plans and that the industry will play a key role in Vanuatu’s recovery from the earthquake.
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