Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism has completed a development mission to Aneityum and Futuna, the two southernmost islands of Tafea Province, assessing tourism product and consulting with communities and operators between 30 August and 6 September 2026.
Aneityum push looks beyond Mystery Island cruise stops
The mission, led by Tafea Tourism Office manager Jimmy Tom Noale, focused on mainland Aneityum’s potential beyond its established cruise-day product at Mystery Island. Operators at Anelghuat, Port Patrick and Umej were briefed on kastom and cultural experiences, botanical and conservation tourism, hiking, agritourism and community-run homestays, alongside guidance on permits, standards, packaging, pricing and marketing.
“Both islands have what visitors are looking for: living kastom, an untouched natural environment and communities that want to share it,” Noale said. “Our job is to help operators turn that into products that can be packaged, priced and sold, while the community stays in control of how tourism develops on their island.”
Futuna consultation begins with Council of Chiefs endorsement
On Futuna, the Department met the Council of Chiefs, Community Liaison Officer and local councillor at Mission Bay, presenting tourism investment guidance and its code of conduct at Ishia School. The mission identified opportunities for small-scale cultural, community-based and nature tourism, guided experiences and accommodation, with the Department now seeking formal chief endorsement before developing a priority product list and incorporating the island into provincial tourism planning.
Department of Tourism director Paul Pio said the mission reflected the objectives of Vanuatu’s Sustainable Tourism Policy. “Aneityum and Futuna are exactly the kind of destinations the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Policy asks us to develop, authentic, community-owned and spread across the provinces,” Pio said, describing the visit as the first in a planned programme of regular missions, training and technical support.
Growth on both islands remains constrained by limited domestic air and sea connectivity, infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, access to finance and marketing exposure. The Department said it would respond with a priority product development programme, targeted training and improved visitor information, working with government agencies and development partners on infrastructure and investment.
