This milestone will allow for the organizations to collaborate in undertaking visitors research and data sharing to understand cruise travelers' preference and sentiments and spending behavior. Insight from the research will the Vanuatu Government and partners to guide policy directives that to assist the local tourism industry, in particular operators to better cater for the cruise visitors.

The signing was witnessed by the Honorable Minister of Trade and Commerce, the representatives of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Governance for Growth, Market Development Facility, Australian High Commission, New Zealand High Commission, the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Tourism, Royal Caribbean group and the Vanuatu Tourism Office.

“Today's cruise passengers seek immersive experiences and authentic interactions with local cultures and communities. They desire not just to see but to connect with our heritage, traditions and natural beauty. So, it is imperative that we take actionable steps to enhance our services, through guided tours, cultural events, or sustainable practices that protects our environment” The Hon. Bob Loughman Weibur, the Minister of Trade and Commerce said during his speech.

The business intelligence team of the Vanuatu Tourism Office will be leading the implementation of cruise research with collaboration from the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics to inform the Department of Tourism in the implementation of Vanuatu Sustainable Cruise Development Strategy.

“The cruise industry in Vanuatu welcomed its first cruise ship in November 2022, after the covid aftermath therefore, it is necessary to get new travel information, data and insights from the Cruise Liners such as the Royal Caribbean Group and our cruise visitors, and to connect them with our operators and businesses to better understand the cruise market. This agreement will enable our agency and its Partners to improve our planning and strengthen our marketing efforts for the recovery of the cruising sector as we aim to increase the yield and spend from all visitors arriving in Vanuatu” says the CEO of Vanuatu Tourism Office.

“We are delighted to support Vanuatu's economic growth through cruise tourism. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Vanuatu Government and are excited to strengthen our collaboration with the Vanuatu Tourism Office.” stated Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director for Royal Caribbean International AUNZ.

The Vanuatu Tourism Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Government of Vanuatu, Department of Tourism, New Zealand High commission, Australian High commission, Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, Governance of Growth and the Market Development Facility for their support in the activities of cruising and yachting to enable this milestone to happen.