Department of Tourism Vanuatu

06/08/2026

The Department of Tourism has been working to support operators and host families in meeting accommodation standards ahead of the event. There is still work to do, but the effort is well underway.

What stands out is the community. Families are opening their homes, preparing rooms and organising food and transport so visitors from across Vanuatu are received warmly. Welcoming the nation is a shared undertaking.

Events like this also open doors. When a family earns income from their own home and their own hospitality, tourism becomes real and within reach — and many hosting for the first time this September will carry those skills forward.

Thank you to the Torba Provincial Tourism Office, our operators and host families.

Preparations for the 2026 Public Service Day in Torba are gathering pace, with accommodation providers across Motalava preparing to welcome hundreds of participants next month.

A total of 153 accommodation facilities, including 141 home stays and 12 registered bungalows, have now been identified, while operators say they are ready to provide quality accommodation and meet tourism standards for the national event.

READ MORE
https://vbtc.vu/motalava-accommodation-ps-day/

06/08/2026

📈 Tourism investment is on the rise!

The latest FDI figures from the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA) confirm what we've been seeing on the ground — investors believe in Vanuatu's tourism recovery.

In the second quarter of 2026, 15 new tourism investments were approved — almost double the previous quarter and the second largest of any sector in the country. Recreation and visitor experience businesses also grew strongly, which means our tourism product is becoming broader and more diverse.

Tourism made up nearly one in five of all new foreign investments approved this quarter — a strong vote of confidence in our destination, our people and the direction of our industry.

The Department of Tourism will continue working closely with VFIPA and partner agencies to support new investors and encourage more investment into our provinces, so communities across Vanuatu share in the benefits of tourism growth. 🇻🇺

Source: VFIPA New FDI Quarterly Update, Q2 2026

Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Vanuatu
Vanuatu Tourism Office Corporate
Invest Vanuatu

03/08/2026

📍 Visit the Department of Tourism Booth at the National Agriculture Expo 2026 – Maewo! 🇻🇺

Have questions about tourism? Come and meet the Department of Tourism team at our Expo booth!

Whether you’re interested in starting or growing a tourism business, learning about the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Strategy, tourism product development, licensing and permits or other tourism policies and programs, our team is here to help.

Drop by, ask your questions, and have a chat with us. We look forward to meeting you and exploring opportunities to grow tourism together! 🌴🤝

02/08/2026

🌿 Official Opening of the Vanuatu National Agriculture Expo 2026 🌿

Welcome to Maewo for the official opening of the Vanuatu National Agriculture Expo 2026!

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Biosecurity (MALFB) and the Ministry of Trade & Commerce (MTC) are proud to work together to connect our farmers with tourism and hospitality operators, creating new market opportunities, strengthening rural livelihoods and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Together, we are building stronger communities by turning agriculture into trade and tourism opportunities.

Welcome to everyone attending, and best wishes for a successful Expo! 🇻🇺

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Biosecurity
Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Vanuatu
Vanuatu Cooperative Movement Department of Industry Vanuatu
Vanuatu Tourism Office Corporate

02/08/2026

The Department of Tourism is pleased to see the Tourism Duty Exemption Program going from strength to strength. Applications processed each year have grown by exponentially from 2023 to 2025, with 34 tourism businesses now taking part across Shefa, Sanma and Tafea.

All tourism operators with a valid tourism permit, are eligible to apply for tourism exemption, subject to the tourism concession under the Import Duty Act (Amendment of 2023). Items which Tourism businesses are able to apply for duty exemption include:

⏩ Construction materials for accommodations
⏩ Furnitures, Fittings and fixtures
⏩ Cutleries
⏩ Moveable Items
⏩ Boats

Note - The exemption excludes "Motor Vehicles"

Key RequirementsAccreditation:
🔺 Must hold a valid Tourism Standard Permit
🔺 Must have a valid business license and Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) registration.
🔺 Must be filed electronically through a customs broker via the VeSW portal with a VUV 12,000 fee paid to Department of Finance Cashier Desk.

This exemption is available all year-around and is intended to help our operators to import overseas goods duty-free - which in turns aims to upgrade their facilities, expand their businesses and lift the standard of the visitor experience with import facilitation. 🏝️

DOT is also working together with the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR) on compliance checks to keep the program fair, trusted and reaching genuine operators.

A big thank you to all our tourism operators — your investment is a clear sign that tourism in Vanuatu is on the rise!

Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Vanuatu Vanuatu Tourism Office Corporate

30/07/2026

While the nation celebrates, our team is hard at work on Maewo Island, where preparations are in full swing for the 2026 National Agricultural Expo, taking place from 3–7 August.

The Department is working closely with tourism operators and local communities to ensure visitors enjoy a welcoming and memorable experience. Support being delivered includes accommodation supplies, water tanks and water equipment to improve visitor readiness, as well as signage to help guide guests to tourism businesses across the different villages.

A big thank you to our dedicated team and community partners on the ground for their commitment and hard work. Together, we’re showcasing the very best of Maewo and Vanuatu.

Happy Independence Day, Vanuatu! 🇻🇺


Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Vanuatu Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Biosecurity Vanuatu Tourism Office Corporate Department of Industry Vanuatu Vanuatu Department of Agriculture & Rural Development

30/07/2026

🇻🇺 Happy 46th Independence Anniversary Vanuatu 🇻🇺

Today, we proudly celebrate 46 years of independence—a milestone that reminds us of the courage, determination and sacrifices of our forefathers who fought for our nation’s freedom and self-determination.

As we reflect on this special day, we give thanks for the many blessings God has bestowed upon our beautiful islands: our rich cultures, breathtaking natural environment and the warmth and resilience of the Ni-Vanuatu people. These are treasures that define who we are and inspire us to build a brighter future together.

As we celebrate, let us also honour those who came before us, whose vision and perseverance paved the way for future generations. May we continue to protect our heritage, care for our environment and work together in unity to ensure Vanuatu continues to prosper for generations to come.

From all of us at the Department of Tourism, we wish every Ni-Vanuatu a joyful, safe and blessed 46th Independence Anniversary.

Yumi Stanap Strong. Yumi Stanap Tugeta. Happy Independence Day, Vanuatu! 🇻🇺❤️💛💚

28/07/2026

Department of Tourism Meets with Motalava Tourism Association Ahead of Public Service Day 2026

The Department of Tourism continues its preparations for Public Service Day 2026 with a productive meeting held with the Motalava Tourism Association, led by Acting TORBA Tourism Manager, Mr. Kevineth Garae.

The meeting focused on ensuring that tourism operators and homestay hosts are well prepared to welcome delegates and visitors during the event. Discussions covered accommodation pricing, breakfast and dinner service arrangements, housekeeping standards, updates on the solar project, progress on the Tourism Business Recovery Programme (TBRP) and other direct support initiatives, as well as reconfirming accommodation capacity, including room and bed availability.

These ongoing consultations are an important part of the Department’s commitment to working closely with local tourism operators to deliver a coordinated, high-quality visitor experience while ensuring communities are ready to benefit from the opportunities that Public Service Day will bring.

The Department of Tourism thanks the Motalava Tourism Association and all operators for their continued partnership and dedication as preparations continue toward October 2026.

Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Vanuatu Vanuatu Tourism Office Corporate

27/07/2026

⚓️ Preparations Underway for the Soft Launch of Asanvari Yacht Club - Maewo Island

Preparations are progressing well for the soft launch of the Asanvari Yacht Club on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, during the National Agriculture Expo 2026 on Maewo Island.

The event will be officiated by the Hon. Iavro Robson, Minister of Trade and Commerce, and Mr. Paul Pio, Director of the Department of Tourism.

This community-led initiative reflects the shared commitment to developing sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for local businesses and livelihoods. The Department of Tourism is proud to support the Asanvari community through this important project and looks forward to celebrating this milestone together.

Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Vanuatu Vanuatu Tourism Office Corporate Department of Industry Vanuatu Ministry of Internal Affairs Vanuatu Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Biosecurity