Press Releases

NUS HOSTS REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DELEGATION FOR EU-FUNDED AGRI-TOURISM PROJECT – (Oct 10th, 2025)

[PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa] – The National University of Samoa welcomes a visiting delegation from Slovakia, Italy, Vanuatu and Fiji today as part of an ongoing EU funded research project on Agritourism Research Project. The AGRI-TOUR...

EU possibly to cancel visa-free travel for Israelis

(MENAFN) The European Union may suspend Israel’s visa-free access to the Schengen zone under newly revised rules approved by EU lawmakers, Euronews reported on Wednesday. The development comes in the wake of Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran,...

U.S. Prepares to Expand Travel Ban, Targets Over Thirty Countries

(MENAFN) The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a significant broadening of its travel restrictions, potentially barring entry from an additional 36 countries, according to a confidential memo from the US State Department. This memo,...

49 artists from over 30 countries revealed for WOMADelaide 2026

Release date: 30/10/25 Artists from over 30 countries will descend on South Australia for the 29th edition of WOMADelaide, with the first 49 artists for the 2026 line up revealed today. The world festival of music and dance will return to...

CNO Future Fund Relaunches as Vanuatu’s Gold Standard CIIP Option

Photo Courtesy of: VIMB PORT VILA, Vanuatu, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The CNO Future Fund has officially relaunched under Vanuatu’s revised Citizenship by Investment regulatory framework, reinforcing its role as the leading option under the...

South Australian doctors head to Vanuatu in response to devastating earthquake

Release date: 22/12/24 Three SA Health staff will travel to Vanuatu as part of the Federal Government’s response to the tragic natural disaster that occurred in the country last week. Dr James Doube, a doctor based on Kangaroo Island, will head up...

Vanuatu moves towards best practice tourism for turtles

Turtles are an important part of tourism in Vanuatu and tourists can see turtles in the wild in either with a trained guide or independently. The main species that can be seen here are green, and hawksbill turtles which are listed as threatened...

Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office Collaborate on Data Analytics Capacity-Building Workshop in Port Vila

As the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in-country visits continue, the SPTO team, in collaboration with the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), was in Port Vila from July 1 to July 5 to conduct a week-long capacity-building workshop. The workshop...

GIS Training Enhances Data Analysis and Mapping Capacity in Vanuatu

The effective use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) helps drive informed decision making for sound environmental management through data analysis, mapping and enhanced research skills and innovation. This was highlighted at a GIS training...

Pacific Tourism Partners with UNESCAP to Highlight Tourism’s Pivotal Role in Economic Growth and Sustainability in the Pacific Region

At the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), held in Antiqua and Barbados, Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker, highlighted tourism’s pivotal role in driving economic...

Pacific Tourism Organisation Partners with FSM-Yap to Drive Data Excellence for Sustainable Development

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in collaboration with the Yap Visitors Bureau (YVB) conducted a week-long in-country workshop (June 10-14) focused on data initiatives and the Digital Measurement and Benchmarking Dashboard under the Pacific...

Enhancing Vanuatu’s National Capacity for Sustainable Development

Vanuatu has taken a significant step towards enhancing environmental governance following a transformative week-long workshop on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and enhancing national development permitting processes in the country. Held...

Pacific Marine Tourism Guidelines Set to Support Sustainable Tourism Practices

The Pacific Marine Tourism Guidelines is being developed through a collaboration between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and the Pacific Tourism Organisation to inform the sustainable development and management of...

Embark on a Journey of Rediscovery in Vanuatu

Embark on a journey of rediscovery in Vanuatu, where you can reignite your passions and embrace life’s adventures. Whether you’re drawn to swimming, diving, sailing, hiking, cycling, or horse riding, Vanuatu offers endless opportunities to indulge...

Vanuatu: Tropical Cyclone LOLA

Tropical Cyclone LOLA is forecast to move slowly southwards across central Vanuatu from Tuesday 24 October, 2023, as a Category 5 cyclone. Gale to hurricane force winds, heavy rain and large waves are expected about the islands of Vanuatu and...

Air Vanuatu Enters Voluntary Liquidation: Support and Travel Alternatives for Affected Passengers

Statement from the Vanuatu Tourism Office: The Vanuatu Tourism Office has been informed that our national carrier, Air Vanuatu, has entered voluntary liquidation. Australian consulting firm Ernst & Young has been appointed as liquidators. Our...

Pacific Tourism Organisation Partners with Papua New Guinea Tourism to Drive Data Excellence for Sustainable Development

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) conducted a week-long in-country workshop (May 13-17) focused on data initiatives and the Digital Measurement and Benchmarking...

Vanuatu Tourism Office Secures Three-Year Grant Funding Agreement with New Zealand for Enhanced Destination Marketing

Tuesday 12 September 2023, Port Vila, Vanuatu: The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) is delighted to announce the signing of a pivotal three-year Grant Funding Agreement (GFA) with New Zealand to boost destination marketing efforts. This strategic...

Vanuatu’s Skills Partnership Boosts Tourism Relations

Monday, 18 September, Port Vila, Vanuatu: During the Vanuatu Skills Partnership Steering Committee meeting, the VSP has renewed their longstanding partnership with the Vanuatu Tourism Office, including signing a new partnership with the Department...

Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) appoints New Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adela Issachar Aru as its new Board Chairperson. The SPTO Board of Directors endorsed the announcement of Ms Aru as the new Chairperson at its May board meeting...