The Vanuatu Tourism Office has today launched a new self-famil program designed to get more Kiwi consultants back up to experience the destination first-hand—and to celebrate Solomon Airlines is offering a $99 fare (plus taxes) ex AKL or CHC for the first 25 consultants to book a self-famil.
The VTO says the move is a strong signal of the destination’s confidence in the Kiwi market and trade distribution.
“We are starting to see our numbers slowly climb; it has been tough, but we believe we have turned a corner and with aviation confidence in capacity from New Zealand we will see a strong recovery in our numbers to pre C-19 levels,” says VTO New Zealand manager Jacquie Carson. “Supporting our travel trade partners is critical as we grow capacity into the destination.”
IE will move to four services a week between Auckland and Port Vila, and a twice-weekly Christchurch to Port Vila service, both from 01 Jul.
“The expanded schedule will provide improved connectivity for both North and South Island travellers and greater flexibility for agents selling the destination,” says the carrier. Carson says the self-famil offers a chance for Kiwi agents to perfect their destination knowledge, build confidence in their recommendations and give clients a reason to book a Vanuatu trip. The new IE route ex CHC, she says, ‘makes Vanuatu an excellent option for consumers looking for an alternative South Pacific destination’ “…once agents experience it for themselves they will have no hesitation in recommending it to their clients.”
One of the VTO’s key marketing focuses for 2026 is to ensure as many Kiwi agents get to experience what Vanuatu has to offer, adds Carson. And there’s lots happening in the destination. Iririki plans to build more luxury farés, The Grand Hotel reopens 06 Mar and the revamped Holiday Inn is set to reopen in May. Warwick Le Lagon is upgrading its bungalows and The Havannah has reopened.
. . . Self Fam Details
The self-famil program, available to IATA accredited agents who are actively selling the South Pacific, includes discounted accommodation and touring options, and capacity is limited.
“We have a real variety of accommodation on offer,” says Carson. T here’s 50% off Iririki seven-night stays; Breakas has a $258 per night trade rate, plus a ‘stay 4, pay 3’; and Poppys on the Lagoon has 50% off all categories. There are also discounts on airport transfers and tours. The $99 plus tax fare is available for the first 25 agents meeting the requirements, for both ex AKL and CHC, and then IE has a $199 plus taxes agent fare, subject to availability. Register self-famil interest by emailing jcarson@vanuatu.travel.
