Tourism is a key industry in this nation. The Pacific island nation, Vanuatu, will be launching a major marketing push in New Zealand and Australia to coincide with today’s completion of emergency repairs to the country’s international airport.
The $US1.2 million repair work, which began in late February, was carried out after safety concerns raised about the Bauerfield runway in January led to the suspension of Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand flights to Port Vila.
The industry suffered greatly from the suspension.
Bryan Deathm head of the Vanuatu Hotels and Resorts Association hopes both airlines were able to inspect the repairs and resume their services as soon as possible.
The Vanuatu government is in talks with the World Bank regarding a $US55 million loan granted for a full rehabilitation of the Bauerfield International Airport.
It’s a dire situation in Vanuatu in regards to tourism.