INDUSTRY champions are essential for effective crisis management.
That’s the message from Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru at the South Pacific Tourism Expo 2026 in Nadi, Fiji.
“Stakeholder coordination is essential. You need champions—people who have the stamina to lead during crises, communicate with communities, and coordinate response efforts,” she said.
Aru outlined how Vanuatu is preparing for international disruptions, including the ongoing Middle East crisis, through proactive planning, regular briefings, and clear communication with the public and visitors.
“Every destination faces different crises,” she said.
“The key is how you prepare, renew plans, and find solutions as situations unfold.”
She said recent board discussions and consultations with industry stakeholders have focused on ensuring faster and more effective responses.
Drawing on past experiences such as aviation disruptions, earthquakes, and volcanic ash incidents, Aru said resilience and adaptability are essential to maintaining safe, operational destinations.
She stressed the importance of identifying “champions” who can step up, make decisions, and coordinate responses in real time.
Aru highlighted crisis communication as a critical part of response efforts, particularly in keeping visitors, operators, and trade partners informed.
“Communications must be planned. You need a very good team in place,” she said.
Aru noted that Vanuatu’s team issued timely statements, works with partners to clarify situations, and continuously monitors developments to provide accurate updates.
Lessons from recent fuel and voting disruptions, she added, show the need for clear messaging to prevent panic while keeping stakeholders informed.
She advised tourism operators, especially small businesses, to keep crisis plans simple and accessible.
“When a crisis hits, you won’t have time to search through documents. Always have a written plan ready,” Aru said.
She urged operators to assess their preparedness, stressing that strong leadership, coordination, and clear communication are key to safeguarding Vanuatu’s tourism sector.