#YourHolidayHelps – Vanuatu reopens to tourism after Cyclone Pam

The sun is shining, the sun-lounges are out, and the Vanuatu people are waiting for visitors with their smiles wider than ever.

Category-five Cyclone Pam caused destruction and devastation last month, but the tourism office is keen to tell travellers that the nation is “back up and running”.

Linda Kalpoi, general manager at Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), said Vanuatu has received overwhelming messages of support from past guests following Cyclone Pam.

“We thank you all so much for your kind thoughts and wishes during this challenging time. We still have smiles on our faces though and have been working hard to rebuild our paradise,” Ms Kalpoi said.

“Port Vila has almost fully recovered and other areas, such as Espiritu Santo and Malekula, received no damage and continues to be fully operational.”

Throughout the recovery process many Australians have expressed interest in helping Vanuatu get back on its feet and now the tourist board is urging people to provide a helping hand via social media.

The #YourHolidayHelps campaign includes three simple ways Australians can help in a small but effective way:

POST any photos of previous Vanuatu experiences on personal social media profiles using the hashtags #YourHolidayHelps #DiscoverVanuatu

BOOK a holiday to Vanuatu and help ensure the full circle of recovery is complete

SHARE holiday stories and pictures far and wide and encourage friends, families and colleagues to book their next holiday to Vanuatu

Ms Kalpoi said, “Hotels are reopening, tours are ready for booking and even the beautiful foliage you’re used to seeing here is starting to re-bloom… Now we just need YOU.”

www.vanuatuspecialists.com.au

06 May 2015