Displaying items by tag:Port Vila

The eight agents on Vanuatu Tourism Office’s (VTO’s) first trade famil following the launch of IE’s new direct CHC-VLI route have returned to New Zealand. 

Eight retail travel agents from Christchurch were among the passengers on Solomon Airlines’ inaugural direct flight from Christchurch to Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, last week.

Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) has welcomed the announcement of expanded year-round direct services to Port Vila operated by Solomon Airlines, significantly strengthening air connectivity between New Zealand and Vanuatu.

The Grand Hotel & Casino in Port Vila  is nearing completion of a major restoration project that has seen it rebuilt for resilience following the December 2024 earthquake in Vanuatu that caused damage along Port Vila’s waterfront.

Significant progress has been made in the of recovery in Port Vila, says Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO).  There are no ongoing impacts on airline operations to Port Vila as a result of the earthquake.

From 4 October Solomon Airlines services will increase to three flights weekly Honiara-Port Vila-Auckland. The additional IE710 service on Fridays will depart VLI 5:50pm, arrive AKL at 10:05pm, and return on Saturdays from AKL at 12pm, arriving VLI at 2:15pm.

Solomon Airlines has commenced direct flights between Port Vila and Auckland, using Solomon Airlines aircraft to continue air services linking Vanuatu and New Zealand.

Grand Hotel and Casino Vanuatu is continuing it’s a$4.5million refurbishment, with all 74 guest rooms expected to have a new look by March-April next year.

While no major structural work is involved, the rooms will have new furniture, a fresh coat of paint, smart TVs, new headboards and lighting, plus cosmetic changes in the bathrooms.

Air Vanuatu will resume its services to Port Vila from Auckland in July, following Vanuatu’s reopening of its border to international travellers on 1 July 2022.

NF will operate a twice-weekly non-stop Boeing 737 service on (3hr 15 flight duration) from Auckland to Port Vila on Wednesday and Saturday departing 1210, commencing 2 July 2022. Air Vanuatu will also resume flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to Port Vila as of 1 July.

Nasama Resort and Breaka’s Beach Resort joined forces to hold Vanuatu’s first vaccination party over the weekend. 

Anyone was welcome to come along, get vaccinated, and share some kai kai (dinner) and enjoy the entertainment. It was held at Nasama Resort’s new restaurant, The Three Pigs, and 380 people received their first or second dose on the day.