Stunning Vanuatu has had its fair share of the problems over the years, with the most recent being the 7.7 Vanuatu Earthquake that took lives and left the tourist infrastructure in tatters.
For us this meant having to decide if we would still visit as part of our Least Visited Countries Tour. In the end we decided that we would, something both we and our local partners would not regret.
Vanuatu Earthquake: What Happened?
On December 10, 2024, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook Vanuatu, causing widespread damage across the islands. Port Vila, the nation’s capital, saw structural damage to homes, businesses, and roads, while rural communities faced disruptions to essential services.
The quake also caused temporary power outages and left many residents displaced as recovery efforts began. For a nation heavily reliant on tourism, the earthquake’s timing was especially tough, coming during the peak holiday season.
Click the link to read about the best restaurant in Port Vila,
How Long Was Vanuatu Closed?
Despite the challenges, the Ni-Vanuatu people quickly rallied to rebuild their communities. Emergency services and international aid played a vital role in the immediate aftermath, helping restore essential infrastructure and services.
By early 2025, the majority of Vanuatu’s tourist hotspots were back in business. Roads have been repaired, markets are bustling, and accommodations are ready to host visitors. The message from locals is clear: Vanuatu is open for tourism and eager to share its paradise once again.
Why Visit Vanuatu Now?
Vanuatu is without doubt one of the best destinations to visit not just in the Pacific, but globally offering beaches, volcanoes, culture and amazing scenic beauty. Sadly though as a country that relies so much on tourism when something like this happens people get scared away.
With this in mind it is important that people show their ongoing support for the country by simply coming, spending money and showing that there is an air of normality to things.
What’s Changed since the Vanuatu Earthquake?
While some areas are still rebuilding, the majority of Vanuatu’s tourist infrastructure is up and running. Hotels, restaurants, and dive shops have reopened, and the government has prioritized making the country safe and accessible for visitors.
Port Vila, the capital, is slowly starting to buzz again, although there is yet to be any signs of cries ships or indeed mass tourism in general. This though at least for the intrepid traveler means an opportunity to visit any from the hordes of tourists, all the whole supporting the local economy.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Much like when things like terrosirt attacks occur in countries, when something like the Vanuatu earthquake happens people rightly, or wrongly get scared off. Sadly this tends to mean that the people tend to suffer twice with the initial damage being confounded by an economic drop.
Therefore it is not only important to visit during these times, but is also something that is greatly appreciated. For our group at least and on more than one occasion we were thanked by locals simply for coming to the country. And it is things like these rare moments that really make you feel like you are making a difference.
Click the link to learn about how to visit Vanuatu with Young Pioneer Tours.
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