Visitors Survey Shows Aussies Lead Arrivals in Vanuatu

An international visitor survey led by the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) in collaboration with the Vanuatu Government has shown that 57% of all international visitors to Vanuatu are from Australia and New Zealand. 85% of all Australian visitor arrivals came from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, with 56% of all Australians making their own travel arrangements while 30% purchased a pre-paid travel package through a travel agent.

Conducted by Auckland University's New Zealand Tourism Research Institute (NZTRI), the survey measured spending, behaviours and travel patterns of international visitors to Vanuatu arriving by air. IFC Pacific Regional Manager, Tom Jacobs said the second year of the survey provided some fascinating year-on-year data that has revealed areas of interest and will also be used for tourism development.

Upon returning home from Vanuatu, travellers were asked to complete an online survey. Results show that Australians rated the quiet and relaxing atmosphere as the biggest influence on their decision to holiday in Vanuatu, closely followed by its accessibility and beaches and swimming.

Australians spent an average of $1321 per person on their whole trip and while on holiday typically spend around $100 per day, the majority of which is spent on food and beverages (29%) and accommodation (18%). Australian's stay an average of 8.6 nights, with 97% of all visitors choosing to stay in Port Vila.

However, the survey also shows that Tanna Island is growing in popularity, with 17% of visitors choosing to travel to the outer island - an increase of 2% from 2015. Although 58% of all visitors surveyed were first time visitors to Vanuatu, four out of five said they would like to return.

A joint effort between the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), the Department of Tourism, Vanuatu National Statistics Office, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and Auckland University's New Zealand Tourism Research Institute supported by the IFC Pacific Partnership, the survey responses covered a total of 4,526 adults and 1,000 children.

(19th April 2017)