Vanuatu is reopening its borders with a bang, launching its new Welkam Back! campaign across radio, outdoor, digital and social platforms in Australia from today.
Designed to showcase the best of Vanuatu’s tourism offering, the Welkam Back! campaign coincides with the reopening of Vanuatu’s borders on 1 July 2022, from which date international visitors will be able to travel freely throughout all islands within Vanuatu.
The campaign will run across the Southern Cross Austereo Network including B105, 2DayFM and TripleM, and will see a series of 15, 30 and 59-second videos showcasing Vanuatu’s rich culture and kastom featured via oOh! Media Outdoor advertising, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. The campaign will also be launched simultaneously in Vanuatu’s other key inbound tourism markets of New Zealand and New Caledonia.
Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru says Vanuatu’s marketing campaign will convey a warm welcome and personal invitation from the Ni-Vanuatu people for Australians to Answer the Call of Vanuatu and visit the destination once borders are open.
“Vanuatu’s Welkam Back! campaign is designed to remind our visitors of the life-changing moments a holiday in Vanuatu offers,” said Adela.
“In Vanuatu, the sound of a conch shell being blown is used to call together communities and friends. It’s a distinctive sound and one which we’ll be using to call out to our visitors. Throughout July, when Australians turn on the radio or scroll through Facebook and Instagram, they’ll hear the siren of the conch shell inviting them to Answer the Call of Vanuatu.
“Visitors to Vanuatu often feel a strong bond with the people and places here, as they can easily connect with our pristine nature, deeply held culture and the fun, light-hearted spirit of the Vanuatu people. The Welkam Back! campaign showcases all of this in a heart warming way.
”We know that the experiences holidaymakers have in Vanuatu touch their hearts and change their perspective – this campaign showcases not just the incredible experiences and stays that Vanuatu offers but the rich kastom and culture that connects deeply with those who visit our shores.”
The Welkam Back! campaign is a virtual sounding of the conch from not only the people of Vanuatu, but its tourism industry as well, which has been busy preparing to welcome visitors back on 1 July.
Vanuatu Tourism Office Short Haul Market Manager Paul Pio says, “The relaunch of Vanuatu has been long awaited and in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia we are seeing a very strong level of enquiry and interest from trade and consumers who want to know how best to experience Vanuatu in 2022.”
Barrier Beach Resort Sales and Marketing Manager Richard Skewes said, “A lot has changed in the last two years, and we have taken this time to upgrade much of the resort to give our guests a better experience than ever before. But one thing hasn’t changed – the genuine smile you receive on arrival will still be there, only it’s a little bigger now. The return of tourists Answering the Call of Vanuatu means so much to us and we feel it’s only fair to make the experience mean so much to our guests as well.”
Eratap Beach Resort Owner Tony Pittar said, “Vanuatu lives and breathes tourism. It is absolutely vital to the economy and the wellbeing of Vanuatu, and its influence spreads far and wide. The last two and a half years have been extraordinarily difficult for everyone, but now we start again, and we are fresh and ready to go. The smiles have returned, along with the hope of a positive and brighter future.”
The Welkam Back! campaign launch precedes Vanuatu’s reopening on 1 July, from which date international travellers will be welcomed back to the destination’s shores with just a certified negative RAT from within 24 hours of departure or a certificate of infection and recovery from within 28 days of travel required for entry.
Flights are available to book now, with Air Vanuatu resuming its services with five non-stop flights from Sydney, one direct service a week from Melbourne, and three non-stop flights a week from Brisbane to Port Vila, with onward connections within Vanuatu. For more information on the reopening flight schedule, please visit www.airvanuatu.com
Travellers are encouraged to check the Vanuatu Tourism Office website for the latest information and health directions prior to travel, as well as for inspiration on visiting Vanuatu – www.vanuatu.travel/au.
