After two-and-a-half years, the first flight back to Vanuatu landed in Port Vila on the weekend, with passengers given an open-hearted welcome by the people of Vanuatu.
The country has reopened its borders to international travellers, with visitors now able to travel freely throughout the country’s islands and provinces without any quarantine. The Welkam Back to Vanuatu gave the first Australians to make the trip the warmest of welcomes, with official events and activities organised at Sydney and Port Vila airports to mark the occasion.
The sold-out Air Vanuatu flight from Sydney to Port Vila saw Australian guests, eager to soak up the country’s sunshine and enjoy its beautiful island chain, enjoy festivities at the gate in Sydney and were also accompanied on the voyage by a VIP delegation including Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Bob Loughman Weibur.
The Celebrations continued upon arrival in Vanuatu, where the plane was welcomed with a water salute, and guest enjoyed a meet and greet with local cultural dancers and were surprised with goodie bags packed with Vanuatu Made gifts.
Vanuatu’s border has remained closed since March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening signifies the restarting of the country’s tourism industry, which is one of its biggest economic drivers.
Launching ahead of the country’s opening was a new marketing campaign showcasing the best of Vanuatu’s tourism offering to urge Australians to visit the archipelago. The new Welkam Back! campaign encourages Aussies to “Answer the Call of Vanuatu” and visit the country to experience its array of incredible moments.
Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO, Adela Issachar Aru, said, “We are so happy this day has finally come.”
“Pre-COVID, Australia was Vanuatu’s largest inbound tourism market and we have always shared a strong bond with our Aussie neighbours. Vanuatu is just a short flight from Australia’s east coast, yet it feels like a world away. It’s the perfect getaway close to home.”
“Vanuatu’s tourism industry has been busy preparing for the reopening, taking the time to upgrade or even introduce new products to ensure guests have the best possible experience upon arrival. Visitors will be greeted with a Vanuatu smile and feel welcomed from the moment they touch down.”
Vanuatu’s High Commissioner to Australia, Samson Vilvil Fare, said, “A visit to Vanuatu is full of life-changing moments, and we’re encouraging Australians to come explore our stunning landscapes, connect with our rich kastom and culture and experience the warmth of the Vanuatu people.
“Vanuatu lives and breathes tourism, so we hope this first flight heralds a new beginning for this all-important industry. We are excited to welkam back our Aussie friends and show them a more exciting way to relax on our shores.” 
Travellers can now enter Vanuatu with just a certified negative RAT from within 24 hours of departure, or a certificate of infection and recovery from within 28 days of travel.
Flights are available to book now, with Air Vanuatu resuming its services with five non-stop flights from Sydney, one direct service a week from Melbourne, and three non-stop flights a week from Brisbane to Port Vila, with onward connections within Vanuatu. Virgin Australia will also resume flights from Brisbane to Port Vila, up to five times a week from March 2023.
For more information on the reopening flight schedule, please visit www.airvanuatu.com. Travellers are encouraged to check the Vanuatu Tourism Office website for the latest information and health directions prior to travel, as well as for inspiration on visiting Vanuatu – www.vanuatu.travel/au.
