TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Tourism has been and remians the most successful industry in the country.

Industry overview

The development of Vanuatu's Tourism Industry and its significant contribution to the growth of the national economy has gained recognition by the government and is the reason it is featured prominently in national development planning. It is the industry that maintains not only positive but strong growth over the recent years compared to other industries. For example, the rate of growth represented by Accommodation and Food Services between 2005 and 2014 was 63%.

Most of the tourism development projects are foreign-owned with the majority (80%) located in the vicinity of Port Vila and rural Efate. While repeated calls have been made to expand tourism developments to the rural parts of the country, it remains to be seen to what extent this can be achieved.

Facts

Total contribution to GDP: 46.1% (2017)

Total contribution to employment: 39.3% (2017)

Visitor numbers by cruise ship: 223,551 (2017)

OUTLOOK AND OPPORTUNITIES

Australia and New Zealand remain Vanuatu's main tourism market. While this will remain so, Vanuatu is progressing developments to tap into the Asian tourism market. With current strong and effective bilateral agreements, it is highly likely that this shift will be forthcoming in the medium term.

It is very clear that the government's call to diversify tourism into the rural parts of the country will be forthcoming given current level of infrastructural development taking place in some of the islands. For example, a tar-sealed road on both Tanna and Malekula will likely contribute to increased tourism numbers to the two islands.

Following current developments, investment opportunities envisaged will not focus on tourism only, but other sectors as well. For example readily available medical and health services such as a tertiary hospital is necessary to provide assurance to visitors when coming to Vanuatu. Further, the need for increased supply of local foods is necessary to sustain demand from hotel clients. More specifically, opportunities will include but not limited to:

  • Resort with Large conference, Business/leisure hotel,
  • 4 star family based resort
  • Marina and yacht servicing facilities
  • Adventure lodge

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