Vanuatu Tourism Enforces Unity & Resilient Message At The South Pacific Tourism Exchange

Vanuatu proudly participated at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) held in Nadi, on the 9^th and 10^th of May 2025.  SPTE is the biggest regional Pacific tourism trade show, organized by the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO). SPTE brings together tourism businesses, national tourism organizations, and aviation partners from all corners of the Pacific to meet with global travel partners, providing the best opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Vanuatu Tourism’s participation at the tradeshow covered a total of Eleven (11) tourism operators involving the national tourism office promoting the destination and its offerings. The following operators who registered and participated strengthening their business networking covered are: Adventure in Paradise, Iririki Island Resort and Spa, Warwick Le Lagon Resort, Whitegrass Ocean Resort, Holiday Inn Resort, Ramada Resort, Breakas Beach Resort, Bountiful Tours & Transfers, Atmosphere Tours & Transfers, Island Tours and Vanuatu Travel Information Centre.

During the two-day event, the team had a total of 2,500 meetings across all attendees with key international buyers strengthening their business services and product offering opportunities. The key message emphasized throughout these meetings was that Vanuatu is open and enthusiastically welcomes visitors, despite recent disasters and challenges on connectivity.

With a sponsorship element of Vanuatu tourism participation, team Vanuatu was able to offer a fantastic price giveaway to the winner testing buyers and sellers knowledge about Vanuatu’s tourism offering about key attractions, flight connectivity partners, publication announcement and a key cultural attraction held annually from April to June.

“Port Vila’s swift recovery has been extraordinary showing the determination of our Government and people to immediately address normalcy back into the system for our livelihoods and capital city,” said Adela Issachar Aru, CEO of the Vanuatu Tourism Office. “Our Government, business communities, development partners and stakeholders came together to identify solutions to re-opening the CBD area by addressing areas of risk so that a safe city can be redeveloped. Our Visitors can continue to expect the same authentic experiences, recreational activities and warm hospitality that make Vanuatu so special. You are still able to book your travel further to Tanna, Santo and other islands through channels like the Vanuatu Travel Information Centre so that we can manage such arrangements with our airline partners. We are ready to welcome all visitors back into our adventure destination for unforgettable holidays by creating long lasting Vanuatu moments from your bucket list.”

The tourism operators attending SPTE found the event to be highly beneficial. They also emphasized the importance of Vanuatu’s presence at such events, as it effectively communicates to potential buyers that Vanuatu is open and we are eager to welcome visitors.

Asha Boeshula from Bountiful tours stated, “Participating in the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2025 in Nadi, Fiji has been an incredible opportunity for Bountiful Tours and Transfers Vanuatu. Over the two days, we’ve connected with a wide range of international buyers and regional partners, creating valuable networks and new business opportunities that will directly contribute to the growth of our company and the wider tourism sector in Vanuatu. Events like SPTE are vital in showcasing the unique experiences our islands offer, and we’re excited about the future collaborations and increased visibility that will result from this successful event.”

White grass resort in Tanna also exclaimed their satisfaction, “SPTE 2025 proved to be a successful networking event, to strengthen existing business friendships and meet with exciting new buyers.  The strong Vanuatu industry presence is advantageous and reinforced to the buyers that despite 2024 challenges, Vanuatu is an agile tourism destination that is as beautiful as ever.   I met with 49 buyers from the short and long-haul market, ranging from Australia, Europe, North America, India and Asia.  The message was clear: demand for the ‘path less travelled’ is strong.  South Pacific “island hopping” adventures are top of the wish list for long haul travellers.  Short Haul travel agents have renewed interest in pushing Vanuatu to market for their Australian and New Zealand clients.  The VTO excelled at showcasing our world-class destination to around 200 delegates” said Lyndal Marsh, Whitegrass.

Rashmi Tulsiani, the Holiday Inn representative stated, “This year’s South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) welcomed a number of new buyers & emerging markets, presenting exciting opportunities, while also allowing us to reconnect with existing partners. As with last year, SPTE continues to be a valuable platform for engagement. It was particularly encouraging to see a strong awareness and commitment among buyers towards sustainability and responsible business practices in Vanuatu.”

“Attending the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2025 was a great chance to catch up with our business partners and especially after the unfortunate event of the Earthquake we had last December, managed to reconnect with some other sellers, and explored few new business opportunities mainly from Europe and the States.” Proclaimed Ramzy Shibani, from Warwick Le lagon.

The Vanuatu Tourism Office and the Vanuatu Government extend our warmest congratulations on a fantastic South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) event. VTO also want to express its sincere gratitude to all the Vanuatu tourism operators who dedicated their time and investment to participate and to the buyers whose enthusiastic participation made the event achieve its objectives. We firmly believe that collaboration is crucial for the recovery and increased visibility of Vanuatu’s tourism sector. The presence of our tour operators alongside the VTO at SPTE is a significant step towards achieving these goals, and we are encouraged by the positive engagement we witnessed.

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