Vanuatu is reporting strong growth ahead of a major wave of hotel openings and re-openings scheduled for 2026, signalling a confident recovery just one year after the 2024 earthquake.
Australian visitation has rebounded sharply, with arrival numbers up 27 per cent in the first eight months of 2025 and surpassing the total for all of 2024.
According to Ignite Travel Group, bookings rose 29 per cent year on year, reflecting both increased consumer confidence and strong trade support for the South Pacific destination.
Major hotel re-openings and new properties for 2026
Vanuatu’s tourism landscape is set for fresh momentum next year with a mix of new, restored and revamped accommodation:
- The Grand Hotel & Casino is nearing completion of its extensive restoration and will reopen in 2026, reclaiming its position as a central Port Vila landmark for both leisure and business travellers.
- Holiday Inn is undergoing refurbishment, with a newly upgraded accommodation wing expected to reopen by mid-2026.
- Turtle Cove Villas, located on the north side of Efate, will open in January 2026 with four self-contained villas, a swimming pool and an onsite restaurant.
Several major properties have already opened or reopened in recent weeks:
- E’Nauwi Beach Resort debuted in November on Efate’s southwest coast, offering 16 beachfront bungalows, dining facilities and a spa.
- The Havannah reopened after nearly a year of closure due to earthquake damage, welcoming guests back to its 17-villa adults-only luxury escape.
- Tamanu on the Beach unveiled newly renovated villas in November, reinforcing its reputation for boutique beachfront tranquillity.
- Mali Beach Club, a new dining venue on Mele Beach, has also recently opened, offering cocktails and casual dining with ocean views.
Strong Australian support drives Vanuatu’s recovery
The Vanuatu Tourism Office says the surge in Australian travellers has played a central role in the destination’s rapid recovery and its readiness to welcome even more visitors in 2026. The combination of new accommodation, upgraded properties and expanding dining options is expected to further strengthen the destination’s appeal.
Additional air capacity will support the growing demand, with Qantas increasing Brisbane–Port Vila flights to daily from March 2026, Solomon Airlines adding two extra Brisbane–Espiritu Santo services, and Virgin Australia boosting Brisbane–Port Vila flights to up to 12 per week during the festive season.
