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Earthquake updates

UPDATED INFORMATION – AS AT 28 January 2025

Industry Update: Resumption Plans for Cruise Operations at Port Vila Port of
Call.

Date: January 28, 2025

Following the recent earthquake that struck Vanuatu, causing significant disruption and damage at the Port Vila main wharf, the recovery and rebuilding efforts are well underway. The Port Vila cruise port of call, which had been closed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew following the disaster, is now taking critical steps toward resuming cruise operations.

Current Status

The earthquake that occurred on 17th December 2024 caused significant damage to Port Vila's infrastructure. In response, local authorities, in collaboration with the Department of Ports & Harbors and the Department of Tourism, have initiated an initial assessment of the port facilities in partnership with JICA.  While early evaluations indicate some damage to the infrastructure, further in-depth investigations are required to fully assess the extent of the damage and to establish a clear timeline for necessary repairs and the resumption of cruise activities.

Resumption Highlights

As of January 2025, the Port Vila authorities have outlined a phased approach to reopening the port for cruise ships:

  • Initial test calls are planned, primarily focusing on vessels that can access the port with limited adjustments. This will help gauge readiness and safety measures for both the port and the surrounding area. This has also allowed for some vessels to be diverted to the Luganville and Mystery Island ports of call also at this time.
  • A broader reopening is anticipated, allowing mid-sized vessels to resume
    operations. Port Vila is expected to host a number of cruise lines that have
    expressed interest in returning to this beautiful destination.
  • Full operations are projected to resume, with the expectation that major cruise lines will return to their scheduled itineraries at Port Vila. Promotional campaigns are also being developed to encourage travellers to visit Vanuatu and support local tourism economies.

Safety and Infrastructure Improvements

The goal of ensuring passenger safety and confidence is vital therefore several key initiatives are being implemented:

  1. Infrastructure Repairs: Ongoing repair work to enhance port facilities, including docking areas and passenger amenities.
  2. Safety Protocols: Development and implementation of enhanced safety protocols, which include emergency response plans and support for medical services.
  3. Community Engagement: The Vanuatu tourism sector is actively engaging with local communities to ensure their involvement in rebuilding efforts and to provide guidance on sustainable tourism practices post-recovery.

Port Vila is a vital hub in the South Pacific for cruise operations, and the efforts to resume services are a positive sign for the local economy and the tourism industry as a whole. With careful planning and collaboration among stakeholders, it is anticipated that cruise lines will return to Port Vila, bringing valuable tourism dollars to the region and allowing visitors to once again enjoy the stunning natural beauty and rich culture of Vanuatu.

As updates become available, stakeholders will be notified of any changes to the timeline or additional developments regarding the resumption of cruise services in Port Vila. 

For further information, stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the Vanuatu
Tourism Office announcements and cruise line communications on www.vanuatu.travel or follow us on our facebook page: Keeping Vanuatu Beautiful | FacebookKeeping Vanuatu Beautiful | Facebook

 

UPDATED INFORMATION – AS AT 4pm (AEST) – 9 January 2025

Significant progress has been made in the past weeks of recovery in Port Vila.  

  • All commercial and domestic flights continue to operate, please check with your airline for updates. There are no ongoing impacts on airline operations to Port Vila as a result of the earthquake. 
  • Over 70% of hotel and accommodation operators are full operational and welcoming visitors. Please check directly with your accommodation provider.
    • The Grand Hotel and Casino will be closed until 31 March 2025 
    • Chantilly’s is permanently closed 
    • M Resort – re-opening January 2025
    • The Terraces Boutique Apartments – closed until further notice
    • Holiday Inn – accommodation closed until further notice 
  • The majority of tours and activities are open and this is not the full list as it is growing fast – notably these are open: 83 Islands Distillery, Club Hippique Horse Riding and Beach, Moso Dreams Tours, EcoTours, Banana Bay Beach Club, Eden on the River, Vila Hope Tours, Mele Springs, Top Rock Lookout, Beach Bar, Nasinu Hot Spring, Honeymoon Beach, Vanuatu Kite and Surfing, Ekasup Cultural Village, Honeymoon Beach, World Car Rentals, Eton Beach, Eton Natural Pool are all open. Tanna Russet Mall and Food Court is open.
  • Day tours to Pele, Lelepa, Nguna, Moso continue to operate 
  • Eton Beach, Blue Lagoon, Eton Natural Pool and the lower pools at Mele Cascades are open.
  • Diving operators are operational – please contact them directly for departure locations in the short term 
  • Tour operators departing from Central Port Vila such as Vanuatu Watersports, U-Power, Big Blue, and Coral Reef Cruises are operational but from different locations. Please check with them directly as to these locations
  • Day tour operators, bus companies and transfer operators are all operational and managing bookings – please contact them directly
  • The Central fresh fruit and vegetable markets are currently closed – but other markets can be found through Port Vila. Your local bus driver will be able to assist. 
  • The Central handicraft market vendors have moved to the stadium location in Freshwota – please ask your bus driver for more information and short travel to the location 
  • Duty free shops. All duty-free outlets are open at the airport. Those outlets in the Port Vila CBD remain closed and no information is available at this point.  
  • The majority of restaurants are re-open and operating. Those located in the Central Port Vila area are closed due to the restricted access for safety reasons. Reefers is currently closed and we are awaiting updates
  • All major utilities are back online, and we have stable power, water and communications. 
  • The supermarkets are well stocked, and fruit and vegetables are found at various markets including Man Ples market and roadside stalls in and around Port Vila and Efate.
  • The downtown area of Port Vila remains closed to traffic and pedestrians for safety reasons. This includes the Hous Blong Handicraft and the Mama’s markets 
  • A traffic management plan is in place to account for the closure of the main traffic artery through Central Port Vila – please see link below for information:  www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?fbclid=IwY2xjawHr_ohleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXzpDDqxXH-dsuMph-fJpMMNkvXo2nfYr8O6xL1Knzv4aT4Sf-wKK-6tTw_aem_OYWJh1BO38wByLwiJLLabQ&mid=1SGXXNd1oNILeRiImx4Pt9sc1RrqdLlY&ll=-17.73112735969087%2C168.31309211004105&z=16
  • Visitors should allow additional time for when travelling through Port Vila to allow for traffic congestion due to road closures. This is particularly true for departing flights. 
  • The round island road is open for traffic. Drivers should check access to Clems Hill prior to travel check regarding road works. 
  • The road to the Wharf remains closed. Traffic to Dream Cove is re-directed through
    Pango Village
  • Many services based in Central Port Vila are temporarily re-locating. This includes government services, retail offerings and cafes and dining options.  This is a work in progress for many businesses
  • Banking facilities and ATMs are available. Banks located in Central Port Vila remain closed. Visitors may need to travel the short distance to suburban locations for local currency. All exchange services at the airport are operational and this is the best option currently. 

Port Vila and surround are still experiencing aftershocks. This is normal however unsettling for many people. Everyday life gets back to normal a little bit more each day. Everyone is happy that they can move around and continue their normal lives. There are many hugs and smiles on offer everywhere you go!

As services and facilities are coming back online and we welcome new guests to the island, we will be sharing what’s happening on our social media pages and encourage you to follow these: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

UPDATED INFORMATION – AS AT 10am (AEST) – 27 December 2024

Happy Holidays everyone. Ours in Vanuatu were full of love and sunshine – just what we needed!

As services and facilities are coming back online and we welcome new guests to the island, we will be sharing what’s happening on our social media pages and encourage you to follow these: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

  • All commercial and domestic flights are operating, check with you airline for updates
  • We’re delighted all communications have been restored and our mobile and data networks are back. This means it is now easier to share pics and videos with you and for you to contact your resort or tour operators to make plans. While there may
    occasionally be congestion on phone lines, or the odd dropped call, we ask you to please be patient and if you experience this, just please call again.
  • Hotels and resorts are ready for visitors: Irriki, Warwick LeLagoon, Nasama, Eratap Beach Resort, Tamanu on the Beach, Poppys on the Lagoon, Ramada Port Vila, Mangoes, South Pacific Memories, Nakatumble, Fatumara Lodge, Vanuatu Beachfront Apartments, Angelfish Cove Villas, Mariner Apartments, Le Life Resort are all fully operational - please check directly with your accommodation provider.
  • Banana Bay, Eden on the River, Mele Springs, Top Rock Lookout, Beach Bar, Nasinu Hot Spring, Vanuatu Kite and Surfing, Ekasup Cultural Village, Honeymoon Beach, World Car Rentals, Eton Beach, Eton Natural Pool are all open.
  • The small central down town area of Port Vila remains closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic for precautionary safety measures. This is an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometres only. A reminder that Santo and Tanna have not been impacted by the earthquake

What makes Vanuatu unique is the spectacular 83 islands of breathtaking beauty, the adventures and nature activities on offer, and of course our amazing people and culture. This is all ready for you today, so please come and enjoy!

UPDATED INFORMATION – AS AT 3pm (AEST) – 24 December 2024

There has been such amazing progress over the last week.

  • All commercial flights are operating, check with you airline for updates
  • Domestic flights are operational - https://www.airvanuatu.com/travel-advisory/guest-information
  • Communications are still problematic. Calls direct to phone lines are your best way of getting through to many businesses. Telstra are offering free calls between 19 December and 8 January – details are here - www.telstra.com.au/exchange/free-calls-vanuatu
  • The centre of Port Vila remains closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, this includes businesses within the centre of town
  • Irriki, Warwick LeLagoon, Nasama, Eratap, Tamanu, Poppys on the Lagoon, Ramada Port Vila, Mangoes, South Pacific Memories, Angelfish Cove, Nakatumble, Fatumara Lodge, Vanuatu Beachfront Apartments, Mariner Apartments. Le Life Resort are all fully operational - please check directly with your provider
  • Banana Bay, Eden on the River, Mele Springs, Top Rock Lookout, Beach Bar, Nasinu Hot Spring, Ekasup Cultural Village, Eton Beach, Eton Natural Pool are all open
  • A reminder that Santo and Tanna have not been impacted by the earthquake

 

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Vanuatu Tourism Office has expressed its heartfelt condolences to those affected by the earthquake that struck Vanuatu shortly after midday on Tuesday 17th of December 2024. Our thoughts are with those individuals and families who been affected by this tragic event. The earthquake struck 31km west off the coast of Port Vila on Efate Island has caused significant damage in the town of Port Vila but that many tourism operations are still operating. Other islands are largely unaffected.

VTO will provide further updates as soon as we can confirm official information to share.