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 and communities. They desire not just to see but to connect with our heritage, traditions, and natural beauty.
Therefore, it is imperative that we take actionable steps to enhance our services, whether through guided tours, cultural events, or sustainable practices that protect our environment,” he stated. The Vanuatu Tourism Office’s business intelligence team, in collaboration with the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, will lead the implementation of cruise-related research. This initiative will inform the Department of Tourism’s efforts in executing the Vanuatu Sustainable Cruise Development Strategy.
The CEO of the Vanuatu Tourism Office highlighted the importance of this partnership, particularly following the return of cruise tourism to Vanuatu in November 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we welcome back cruise ships, it is crucial to gather fresh travel information, data, and insights from cruise liners like the Royal Caribbean Group and our visitors. This agreement enables us and our partners to improve planning, enhance marketing efforts, and drive the recovery of the cruising sector with the aim of increasing visitor yield and spending in Vanuatu,” the CEO stated.
Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director for Royal Caribbean International AUNZ, expressed enthusiasm for the strengthened partnership. “We are delighted to support Vanuatu’s economic growth through cruise tourism. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Vanuatu Government and are excited to deepen our collaboration with the Vanuatu Tourism Office.
” The Vanuatu Tourism Office also acknowledged the support of the Government of Vanuatu, the Department of Tourism, the New Zealand High Commission, the Australian High Commission, the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, Governance for Growth, and the Market Development Facility in making this milestone possible. This agreement marks a pivotal step forward in enhancing Vanuatu’s position as a premier destination for cruise tourism, ensuring that the sector continues to contribute to the country’s economic growth and sustainable development..
