What’s new, Vanuatu?
Vanuatu has been busy in two years of closed borders and is ready to welcome visitors again, writes Thomas Bywater
The first Kiwi visitors touch down into Port Vila on Saturday, July 2, with borders reopening and the return of direct links from New Zealand with Air Vanuatu. Vanuatu has long been a favourite for more adventurous travellers. The 80 active volcanic islands are known for world-class snorkelling and as the spiritual birthplace of bungy jumping.
From next month, four of the six provinces are throwing open their doors to tourists. “Vanuatu is slowly starting the re-opening process and over 2022 will gradually reduce the restrictions and requirements of entry. This will be a gradual process linked to vaccination targets,” says the Vanuatu Tourism office to New Zealand.
This means that tourists can travel without restrictions between Shefa and Port Vila to Sanma, Espiritu Santo and the Torres Group.
As the first leisure visitors to the Pacific Island in more than two years, there will be plenty of questions top of mind.
Although visiting much of the country will be as before, the biggest change to Vanuatu tourism is the inclusion of Triple C Certification for activities and accommodation. This refers to businesses approved by the Vanuatu Ministry of Tourism as following best practice.
Apart from these Covid-19 hygiene measures, visitors will also notice the abundance of new and renovated hotels on the islands. There are 17 resorts and hotels reopening in July, 10 of which are Triple C Certified.
From improved accommodation to new chefs, most have used the past two years to improve their offerings. The islands may have been locked down but there has been plenty happening in preparation for the return of visitors.
Here are the Triple C Certified businesses to check out when you get there.
WHERE TO STAY
Eratap Beach Resort
On its own promontory on the south coast of Efate, the boutique Eratap Beach Resort will be up and running from July 1. New Zealander Brad Smith has taken over as head chef at the resort’s refurbished beachside restaurant. The resort has also added outdoor options to help explore the island, including paddleboards, bikes and a tour boat for guests to borrow. There’s also a new gym and tennis complex. eratap.com
Aore Island Resort
Off the coast of Luganville, the Aore Island Resort is hoping to open this July, following a complete refresh of the property. Aore is also home to the famous dive spot, Million Dollar Point, the graveyard of US World War II surplus. Unwittingly they created an artificial reef. Tanks a lot! aoreislandresorts.com
Mangoes Resort & Restaurant and The Terraces Boutique Apartments Vanuatu
If you’re looking for accommodation central to Port Vila, these two are worth investigating. They were the first to be Triple C certified. mangoesresort.com theterracesvanuatu.com
WHAT TO DO
Vanuatu Jungle Zipline & Skybridge
From July, the Vanuatu Skybridge will open to visitors. This allows visitors to get a kingfishereye view of the waterfalls from the rainforest. vanuatujunglezipline.com
Vanuatu Eco Tours
Vanuatu Ecotours lead trips by kayak and bushhike to Vanuatu’s most spectacular natural attractions, such as the Crystal Cascades falls. The island explorer itinerary restarts in July, cruising the coast of Efate’s offshore islands. vanuatuecotours.com
Eden on the River
Vanuatu’s tropical garden project went into semi-hibernation when the country’s borders closed in 2020. But the team has been busy making sure the reserve and natural swimming holes are ready to open when the first flights arrive. edenvanuatu.com
BEFORE YOU GO
Travellers are asked to provide a “certified negative RAT result” from within 24 hours of departure, or a “certificate of infection and recovery” from within 28 days of departure, if they have recently had Covid-19.