Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has raised concerns about the disruptions to Vanuatu’s tourism sector following the demise of its local airline.
Air Vanuatu filed for bankruptcy on May 10, a day after the state-owned carrier cancelled all international flights, stranding thousands of travellers, including returning RSE workers in New Zealand.
Peters touched down in Vanuatu on Tuesday, the third stop in his government mission to Melanesia, having already cancelled the leg to New Caledonia due to the unrest there.
“Everybody here is concerned about this really significant utility for this economy and its long-term future,” Peters says.
“We would hope that they’ve got a solution as quick as possible both domestically, because It’s so important for its interconnectivity, but also internationally; this is a tourist hotspot.”
Air Vanuatu operates four planes, including one Boeing 737 and three turboprop planes. They have more than 20 flights to and from Australia and New Zealand.
Tourism contributed 40% of Vanuatu’s gross domestic product and before the pandemic country welcomed about 90,000 tourists each year, drawn in by volcanic landscapes, brochure-worthy beaches and rich marine life.
Local weaver Regina Toa sells traditional bags and jewellery at the handicraft market in Port Vila. She’s run her stall there since 2017 and relies on visitors to buy her products. However, the mother of four has noticed the low number of tourists in town.
“We are facing many challenges but we are trying our best to be here every day selling our products to earn small money to help our family back at home,” Toa says.
Peters was expected to meet with the Vanuatu Prime Minister saying it’s a chance to reconnect and offer support.
“Reconnect and have a conversation with their political leadership across the political divide and other parties as well.
“And go away better informed and better able to be of help in the future,” Peter says.