Vanuatu recorded 69,366 air arrivals between January and September 2025, contributing an estimated VT10.59 billion to the national economy, according to the latest Air Visitor Snapshot released by the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO).
The report highlights the continued importance of tourism as a major driver of economic activity across the country. Visitors stayed an average of nine days during the period, providing sustained benefits to accommodation providers, transport operators, local businesses, and community enterprises.
On average, each visitor spent approximately VT16,958 per day, reflecting strong visitor engagement with tourism services and experiences throughout the islands.
Australia remained Vanuatu’s largest source market, accounting for 59 percent of all air arrivals. Other key markets included Europe (10 percent), New Zealand (6 percent), other Pacific countries (6 percent), China (6 percent), New Caledonia (4 percent), North America (4 percent), and other regions (5 percent).
Leisure travel continued to dominate visitor motivations, with 75 percent of arrivals traveling for holidays. A further 7 percent visited friends and family, while 5 percent traveled for business and 12 percent for other purposes.
Visitor satisfaction also remained high. The report shows that 84 percent of travelers described their experience in Vanuatu as satisfactory or very satisfactory, while 79 percent indicated they would consider returning in the future.
VTO Business Intelligence Manager Warren Gama said the figures demonstrate the resilience of the tourism sector while highlighting opportunities to broaden the country’s tourism base.
“Between January and September 2025, Vanuatu recorded 69,366 air visitors, with an average stay of nine days,” Gama said.
“Australia continues to be our largest source market, followed by Europe, New Zealand, other Pacific countries, China, New Caledonia, North America, and other countries. Most visitors travel for holidays, and our visitor satisfaction levels remain strong.”
Gama added that the VT10.59 billion generated in visitor spending during the period underscores tourism’s critical role in supporting livelihoods and economic development across Vanuatu.
