Vanuatu continues to shine as a top South Pacific destination, with tourism rebounding strongly, twelve months post-earthquake. Looking ahead to 2026, the archipelago of 83 islands is unveiling fresh new offerings from hotel re-openings to new food and beverage options, presenting travellers with even more reasons to explore the resilient destination, which is just under three hours from Australia’s east coast.
According to Ignite Travel Group, bookings have increased 29 per cent year on year, reflecting the destination’s strong recovery post-earthquake and continued demand among Australians.
Among the highlights for next year are a series of hotel openings and refurbishments on Efate, along with new restaurant openings, which include:
Pictured: Tamanu on the Beach, The Grand Hotel & Casino, The Havannah Vanuatu
Opening in 2026:
- The Grand Hotel & Casino is nearing completion of a major restoration project and is expected to reopen in 2026. Positioned centrally in the heart of Port Vila for business and leisure travellers, the reopening will mark its renewed status as a go-to hotel in Vanuatu’s capital.
- Holiday Inn is undergoing restoration and is expected to reopen by mid-2026 with a newly refurbished accommodation wing.
- Turtle Cove Villas is situated on the North side of Efate and set to open in January 2026. The brand-new property consists of four self-contained villas, with an onsite restaurant and a swimming pool for guests.
Recently opened:
- E’Nauwi Beach Resort, located southwest of Efate, opened its doors for the first time in November, with 16 beachfront bungalows, an onsite restaurant and bar, along with spa facilities.
- The Havannah, perched on the northwest side of Efate reopened in November after nearly a year of closure following the December earthquake. This adults-only boutique resort, with just 17 villas, promises the same luxury, romance and serenity that made it a standout.
- Tamanu on the Beach has re-opened in November after two months of renovations, with brand new villas along its white sandy beach on Efate’s south coast. It will continue to offer a quiet, luxurious escape with its intimate beachfront villas spa and boutique charm.
- Mali Beach Club is a brand-new restaurant set right on Mele Beach, just a 30-minute drive away from Port Vila, serving cocktails and pizza with a view.
Vanuatu Tourism Office’s CEO Adela Issachar Aru said Australian tourism has been instrumental to the destination’s recovery and is looking forward to welcome even more Australians in 2026, thanks to new accommodation offerings, restaurants and experiences.
“We’ve already seen a 27 per cent increase in Australian arrivals during the first eight months of 2025, overtaking total arrival numbers in 2024. We are so grateful for the support from our Australian neighbours, which has boosted Vanuatu’s recovery following the earthquake.
“We’re excited to start the new year with the reopening of major accommodations in Efate and the introduction of new dining options.”
In response to growing demand from Australian travellers, Qantas has recently announced that it will be increasing to daily flights between Brisbane and Port Vila from March 2026, Solomon Airlines will be introducing an additional two flights on the Brisbane to Espiritu Santo route as well as Virgin Australia adding up to 12 flights per week from Brisbane to Port Vila over the festive period.
