Vanuatu’s Minister of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business, Matai Seremaiah, has welcomed the reinstatement of Virgin Australia Airline’s scheduled services to Vanuatu after its last flight on 15 April, 2020.
The airline has been providing services to Port Vila airport for over 15 years before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minister views the return of Virgin Australia as a significant milestone for the tourism industry and the country’s goal of becoming the most desired destination in the Pacific.
As per Minister Seremaiah, the tourism industry is a vital sector of Vanuatu’s economy, and partnerships and collaborations with key players in the industry are crucial. He believes that Virgin Australia’s partnership with Vanuatu will not only benefit the tourism industry but also contribute to the local development of the country as a whole.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL), Jason Rakau, noted that 1080 days had passed between Virgin Australia’s last flight and the reinstatement of its scheduled services. He welcomes the airline back and sees this as an improvement in Vanuatu’s aviation access and connectivity. Rakau looks forward to working with Virgin Australia and their partners to improve Vanuatu’s air connectivity and accessibility to the world.
Christian Bennett, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer of Virgin Australia, acknowledges the resilience of the people of Vanuatu after the tragic cyclones that struck the country. He sees the restoration of this air link and connectivity as the most significant thing Virgin Australia can do to support not just Vanuatu’s recovery but its long-term prosperity as well. He assures the tourism industry of Virgin Australia’s support in the South Pacific.
The CEO of Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), Adela Issachar Aru, also views the tourism industry as a vital sector of Vanuatu’s economy.
She is proud to have Virgin Australia as a partner in showcasing the beauty of Vanuatu to the rest of the world. Aru believes that this partnership will not only benefit the tourism industry but also contribute to the country’s local development as a whole. The reinstatement of Virgin Australia’s scheduled services to Vanuatu after a hiatus of 1080 days marks a significant milestone for the tourism industry and the country’s goal of becoming the most desired destination in the Pacific. The partnership between Vanuatu and Virgin Australia is expected to benefit the tourism industry and contribute to the country’s local development.