Friday, August 23, 2024 The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) and the Royal Caribbean Group have formalized a significant agreement aimed at bolstering cruise tourism in Vanuatu. This partnership is set to enhance research efforts, inform strategic development, and drive the promotion and growth of Vanuatu’s cruise tourism sector in alignment with the Vanuatu Tourism Sustainable Strategy (2021-2025). The agreement will facilitate collaboration between the two organizations, focusing on visitor research and data sharing to better understand cruise travelers’ preferences, sentiments, and spending behaviors.
The insights gained from this research will guide the Vanuatu Government and its partners in shaping policies that will help local tourism operators cater more effectively to cruise visitors. The signing ceremony was attended by several key 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, emphasized the evolving expectations of modern cruise passengers. “Today’s cruise passengers seek immersive experiences and authentic interactions with local cultures.