Port Vila CBD closure affects tourism vendors at Mystery Island

Tourism operators on Mystery Island, located in southern Vanuatu, are facing severe challenges due to the ongoing lockdown of the Port Vila Central Business District (CBD) following a devastating earthquake on December 17, 2024. With Port Vila being a crucial hub for importing goods, access is currently restricted, making it difficult for tourism operators to obtain products for sale.

Ms. Davina Vira, the Area Administrator (AA) for the Aneityum Area Council, based in Anelcauhat Village, expressed sympathy for the affected operators on Mystery Island and in Port Vila, acknowledging the financial hardships they are experiencing. She stated that the lockdown has had a significant impact on the tourism sector.

Despite the numerous challenges faced by operators, Ms. Vira mentioned that tourists arriving on cruise ships are still able to enjoy their trips to Mystery Island. She noted that while handicraft vendors are affected by product shortages, they are still offering goods and interacting with tourists. Furthermore, visitors can participate in various tourist activities, experiencing the island's natural beauty and resources, which remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

This reflects the resilience of Mystery Island's tourism industry, as the island’s natural appeal and local character continue to attract visitors even amidst logistical difficulties. In addition, Ms. Vira also mentioned that another challenge for operators on Mystery Island is the disruption of banking services. Due to a lack of cash at local banks, operators are unable to exchange US dollars for the local currency, Vatu.

This disruption creates additional financial difficulties for operators, as it hinders their ability to conduct transactions effectively. Despite these challenges, Ms. Vira confirmed that the number of cruise ships visiting Mystery Island has been high since December. The continued influx of tourists is a positive sign for the local tourism industry, indicating that the island remains a popular destination despite the difficulties caused by the earthquake and the Port Vila lockdown.

The continued arrival of cruise ships helps provide essential tourist traffic, supporting the local economy and offering some business opportunities for operators, even as they must overcome logistical hurdles. This demonstrates that despite the challenges, the tourism sector on Mystery Island is striving to maintain operations and provide memorable experiences for visitors.