Vanuatu still open for business

As the clean-up from Tropical Cyclone Pam continues, the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) Australia is encouraging travellers to keep bringing their business.

VTO is urging Aussies to consider beach paradise Espiritu Santo for their holiday after it escaped relatively unscathed by the storm.

Espiritu Santo is known for Champagne Beach, famous for its white sand beaches, turquoise blue holes, impressive scuba diving sites and friendly people. Reports from the island state that resorts sustained very minimal damage and are open for business.

Air Vanuatu runs direct flights from Brisbane to Espiritu Santo once weekly and some domestic flights from Port Vila to Espiritu Santo are now up and running again.

Regular updates on flight schedules are being posted on www.airvanuatu.com.

In light of recent reports of widespread damage from both Port Vila and Tanna, VTO recommends Australians with holidays booked to these islands over the next month consider postponing their travel until later in the year.

VTO’s Australian director Sarah Anderson said that “while we are hearing of some properties in Port Vila that are open for business the reality is that the attractions and activities that form such a vital part of a holiday in Vanuatu are not and won’t be operational for a few weeks at least.”

“The priority remains to get much needed aid to the communities of the islands badly affected by the cyclone and so we are advising anyone with travel booked to Port Vila or Tanna to postpone at this stage.”

“Those with travel booked to the island of Espiritu Santo, should proceed with their holiday as planned because the island is in good condition and open and for business.”

Details on which Port Vila properties are open for business can be found at www.discovervanuatu.com.au/tropical-cyclone-pam-vanuatu-hotel-update/

Reports from resorts on Espiritu Santo state:

Bokissa Private Island Resort: No structural damage.

Oyster Island Resort: Minimal damage. Resort has power and is open.

Barrier Beach House: Minor damage.

Ratua Private Island: Minimal damage. The resort will not be accepting any arrivals on or before 27 March, 2015. For any guests travelling in this period they will waive any cancellation fees. The resort is currently assessing the situation for those travelling after 27 March, 2015 although they envisage the resort to be operational by then.

Village de Santo: Open for business.

Moyyan House by the Sea: No damage. Operating as normal.

Meanwhile, as a result of Tropical Cyclone Pam affecting Vanuatu, Virgin Australia has issued a waiver code that may be used to waive additional fare, taxes and change fees for guests that may be directly affected by Tropical Cyclone Pam and as a result, need to change their travel plans.

Viva! Holidays has also been contacting impacted clients and their agents over recent days, with more info on their formal Amendment and Cancellation Policy available here.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au