Vanuatu Tour Operators Association

27/08/2024

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Watersports Port Vila Vanuatu Watersports Port Vila
Members of VTOA since 2010

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙
Currently employing 4 people

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧
We started out as Tropic Thunder Jet, after Covid we rebranded to the current name and introduced different boats branching out in to Snorkeling and a Glass bottom Boat. We also built the Coolest Little Bar in Town, a pontoon bar that does Sunset Cruises.

We still have the Jet boats and hope to fire them up again one day soon.

Conveniently locate on the seafront, with the fastest snorkeling boats to get you out into the good stuff quicker than anyone else.

𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘
www.WatersportsPortVila.com

12/08/2024

FIRST AID COURSE

Our next course is on the 19th August. Did you know that as part of the Tourism Standards that all Tour Guides and Drivers have First Aid Knowledge. This course is being offered at a special price of 6500 vatu for members and 7500 vatu for non members. We have 12 places available. Contact Carmen on [email protected]
Book now and secure your spot on the latest course.

06/08/2024

Some photos of the current first aid training for all guides and drivers. Photos are whilst we were dealing with wound care.

There is another course later this month if people are interested to join. Contact [email protected] a big thank you to Jane at Nightingale Medical Services for the course.

04/08/2024

Reminder to all that have paid and enrolled into the first aid course that it is on tomorrow the 6th August. Starts at 0745 through to 1600.

We are looking at another 14 spaces for the 19th of August. So if you have missed out on tomorrows course you are welcome to apply for the next. Email [email protected]

25/07/2024

Another successful Introduction to Tour Guides Course held last week. Check out all those certificates. Great job everyone.

We will be hosting another course soon, so please follow along so you don't miss out.

Early next month the VTOA is hosting a First Aid Course. This is fully booked already, however there will be another soon. Make sure you book in for the next one.

A Reminder that all bus operators are required to have drivers that are competent in First Aid as part of the DoT requirements.

Get in touch with Carmen [email protected] to register your interest.

14/07/2024

Book now for the up coming first aid course.

6th August.
7,500 vatu per person
Email us at [email protected] to register.

IF YOU ARE A VTOA MEMBER YOU GET A DISCOUNT. ONLY 6,500 VATU PER PERSON.

11/07/2024

First Aid Course is half full. We still have plenty of spaces for you to join in and get certified.

Book your guides and drivers in now.
Course is next month 6th August
Cost for members is 6,500vt
Cost for non members is 7,500vt
Register now with [email protected]

04/07/2024

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𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝘁𝘂
Member since 2016

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙
Currently employing a team of 13

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧
Travel with confidence, World Car Rentals Vanuatu is your trusted choice for car hire in Port Vila. Highly recommended and well-known for our reliability and excellent service.

We are the largest locally owned and operated family car hire business in Port Vila. Our fleet consists of quality, well maintained, new and near new vehicles with an extensive range to suit all hire needs.

Whether you’re exploring Port Vila or adventuring around Efate, count on us for satisfaction, safety, and competitive rates.

Email, call or pop in to chat with our friendly professional customer service team for personal hassle-free hire. We are committed to enriching your travel experience.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘂𝘀?

- Best customer service on the island.
- Competitive rates.
- Free collection and return within 5km of our head office at Nambatu during business hours, 7 days a week.
- Airport International and Domestic, 24-hour collection and return, 7 days a week.
- Specialised location service all over Efate for collection and return during business hours, 7 days a week.
- See our website for travel zone information.
- 24-hour roadside assistance.
- No cancellation fees.
- No pre-deposit required to secure your booking.
- All additional drivers are free.
- Infant and car seats available.
- Our staff are fluent in English and French.
- Ask our team for local advice to help plan your island adventures.
- Corporate, group and long-term bookings available.
- Open 7 days per week, 7:30am to 5:00pm including Public Holidays.

𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲!

𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲
https://www.vanuaturentalcars.com/

04/07/2024

𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬?
The VTOA is hosting a FIRST - AID training course and we want you to join. Book your space now email [email protected]

Price is 6,500vt per person for VTOA MEMBERS
Price for NON MEMBERS is 7,500vt

Date for the course is the 6th of August.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗧𝗢𝗔 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲? 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝘃𝘁𝗼𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆@𝗴𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿.

03/07/2024

The VTOA had a very successful Intro to tour guiding course. We are now taking bookings for FIRST-AID training. We have spaces for 24 applicants and this will fill up fast. If you are a tour operator, Guide, Driver, Staff member or just want to learn first aid to help someone in your care then get in touch with us.

Dates and prices will be confirmed soon, however please register your interest at [email protected]

02/07/2024

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𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝘁𝘂
Members of VTOA since 2018 when the business was formed but have been members through other fishing businesses since the beginning.

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙
Currently employing 5 people

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧
The fishing in Vanuatu is all about variety and trophy sizes. Jigging and popping for monster Dogtooth tuna and giant trevally is the ultimate experience while traveling on our remote island liveaboard package. The fishing from Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila, Efate is mostly focused on the big pelagics we have around our FADs. On these trips you will mostly be targeting barrel size Yellow Fin Tuna on topwater and jigs as well as Blue Marlin. Wahoo's, Mahi-mahi, Sailfish and more are also part of the game chasing on light tackle.

𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘
https://www.dropcastfishing.com/

28/06/2024

Every one of our members has Public Liability Insurance, a valid Tourism Permit from the Department of Tourism, and a current Business License from the Vanuatu Government.
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If you want to join the fastest growing association in Vanuatu, email your request to [email protected]

27/06/2024

Turtles for tourism is not cool.
There are new guidelines or code of conduct set for interacting with Turtles. Please take a moment to read through them, understand them and please also respond if you have improvements, suggestions or comments and grievance.

We are the Professionals in Tourism

If you have not commented on our draft guidelines for interacting with turtles in Vanuatu and a code of conduct for tourism operators, please do so by the end of the week. The more responses we get the better they will be and the more weight they will hold to get them adopted by the government too. The draft guidelines and code of conduct can be found on our website. https://www.vanuatuconservation.org/developing-guidelines-for-interacting-with-turtles-and-code-of-conduct-for-tourism-operators/
Please review the documents and send any comment via email to [email protected] by the 28th June.
Please bear in mind these are drafts and text only. The final version will have been designed to make a more visually appealing product with illustrations and images to demonstrate the guidelines.
This project is funding under the Pacific BioScapes Programme. The Pacific BioScapes Programme is a European Union (EU) funded action, managed and implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). The Programme contributes to the sustainable development of Pacific Small Island Developing States through the implementation of 30 focused activities taking place across a diversity of ecosystems in 11 countries (Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu) that will address critical issues concerning coastal and marine biodiversity, and ecosystem-based responses to climate change adaptation. For more information, please visit: www.sprep.org/bioscapes

We are developing guidelines for interacting with turtles in Vanuatu and a code of conduct for tourism operators. The initial drafts have been written and we are now in the consultation phase. A workshop was held in April where the drafts were presented and discussed. The workshop was attended by go...

27/06/2024

🅶🅴🆃 🅸🆃 🆆🅷🅸🅻🅴 🅸🆃🆂 🅷🅾🆃
JetStar has a 2 hour sale. Syd - Vila

20/06/2024

A great success to our first course. "Intro to being a tour guide". All candidates passed with flying colours and excelled in all activities. Well done. Keep posted for our next course which we will be hosting soon.

Grab some benefits with discounts in advertising, discounts in courses and being a valued member of the fastest growing association in Vanuatu the VTOA. Join us today, we are stronger together. [email protected]

17/06/2024

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬.
This link below takes you to a survey. It is easy to fill out and it is 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 you do so. It relates to how your business has been effected by the 𝐥𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐮. We know everyone has been struggling with visitor numbers declining. So have your say with this survey and click the link below.
https://8oa6rdknzmo.typeform.com/to/A2jFs8YP

Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.

14/06/2024

𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲

Mystery Island Tours
● 40 staff
● Members since 2015

Welcome to Mystery Island Tours! Explore pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes with our friendly Ni-Vanuatu guides. Our most popular tours include the Clear Kayak and Snorkel Tour, and Private Beach Huts. Don't miss visiting the Tiki Bar, famous for its Instagrammable swing seats!

12/06/2024

🌴🌺 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝘁𝘂 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗩𝗧𝗢𝗔) 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!🌺🌴

Are you a tour operator in Vanuatu looking to boost your business and connect with other industry professionals? Now is the perfect time to join the Vanuatu Tour Operators Association (VTOA)!

Here are some amazing benefits our members receive:

🎉𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬:
- 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠: Get 15% off in The Daily Post.
- 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬: Enjoy 15% off on FM96 and 107.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Receive 15% off at Vila Hand Prints.
- 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠: Take advantage of fantastic prices for the upcoming Vanuatu issue of IslandTime Magazine.
- 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞: Stay tuned for additional opportunities and discounts!

🔖 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙠𝙨:
- 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬: Enhance your skills with our introductory course to becoming a tour guide and our upcoming first aid course for guides and drivers. Spaces fill up fast, so join now to secure your spot!
- 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲: Only VTOA member brochures will be showcased in VHRA resorts and hotels.

📄𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙍𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨:
- Provide your business license, insurance, and tourism permit.
- Pay an annual fee of just 5000 vatu.
- Show your membership certificate to avail discounts at partner businesses.

📢 𝘼𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙮 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙑𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚:
- The larger our association grows, the stronger our voice in government. Together, we can advocate for better policies and support for the tourism industry in Vanuatu.

Ready to join? Contact Carmen at 𝙫𝙩𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮@𝙜𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙡.𝙘𝙤𝙢 and become a part of the VTOA family today!

Let's grow and succeed together! 🌍✨

12/06/2024

Dear all Members of VTOA
We have secured a super deal for advertising in the Vanuatu Feature issue of the Islandtime Magazine coming up in July.

This is for members only so check your email as the invite to join this super special will come via that channel only.

Or contact Andy here in FB via Chat to find out more.

VTOA is committed to looking out for its members, improving tourism and building on our memberships. We are stronger together!
If you would like to join VTOA and get amazing discounts and benefits, email Carmen at [email protected]

10/06/2024

This has turned out to be very popular. We have 6 people confirmed and 29 people registered. There is only 15 slots total so you need to pay and send your receipt in to Carmen at [email protected]. there is no holding spaces, it's up to you now. Secure your seat with us today.

During this period of low occupancy in resorts the Execs of VTOA have decided we will run a course for new staff working in the Adventure Tourism Industry. A short course called "Introduction to being a Tour Guide".

If you have staff, and wish for them to complete a short course like this please get in touch with VTOA Secretary for more information. The course will cover the following topics.

1. The Basic Rule of Tour Guiding
2. Public Speaking & Tour Interpretation Exercises
3. Tour & Safety Briefings
4. Tour Guiding Code of Conduct

Spaces are limited to 15 people for the moment so book early
We will be doing this on the 20th of June.

This is not a members only course and is open to anyone who works in the Adventure Tourism Industry and want to ensure they a providing the best to their guests. So get in touch with [email protected] and book now.

We do offer discounts to our members so if you would like to receive these benefits please join the VTOA the Professionals in Tourism.

05/06/2024

Dear all Members of VTOA
We have secured a super deal for advertising in the Vanuatu Feature issue with www.islandtime.co.nz

This is for members only so check your email as the invite to join this super special will come via that channel only.

VTOA is committed to looking out for its members, improving tourism and building on our memberships. We are stronger together!

The Professionals in Tourism. join us [email protected]

Islandtime Magazine is the only trade magazine that solely focuses on Pacific Island travel. We publish feature articles on all the major islands such as Fiji, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Samoa, Hawaii and Vanuatu, plus we explore small out-of-the-way islands such as Niue, Solomon Islands, Norfolk Island

05/06/2024

During this period of low occupancy in resorts the Execs of VTOA have decided we will run a course for new staff working in the Adventure Tourism Industry. A short course called "Introduction to being a Tour Guide".

If you have staff, and wish for them to complete a short course like this please get in touch with VTOA Secretary for more information. The course will cover the following topics.

1. The Basic Rule of Tour Guiding
2. Public Speaking & Tour Interpretation Exercises
3. Tour & Safety Briefings
4. Tour Guiding Code of Conduct

Spaces are limited to 15 people for the moment so book early
We will be doing this on the 20th of June.

This is not a members only course and is open to anyone who works in the Adventure Tourism Industry and want to ensure they a providing the best to their guests. So get in touch with [email protected] and book now.

We do offer discounts to our members so if you would like to receive these benefits please join the VTOA the Professionals in Tourism.

04/06/2024

Member Profile

Bountiful Car Rentals Santo

Bountiful Car Rentals Santo is a locally owned business, your premier destination for affordable and reliable car rental in Santo. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, we have a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs and budget. With a focus on exceptional customer service and competitive pricing, we aim to provide a smooth and stress-free rental experience for all our customers. Our fleet is regularly maintained to the highest standards, ensuring that you can explore Santo with peace in mind. Trust Bountiful Car Rentals Santo to provide you with the ideal vehicle for your travels at the best price. Safe travels.

Employ 1 staff
Member of VTOA since 2024

Contact details
[email protected]
7796043
www.bcrsanto.com

04/06/2024

VTOA had an Executives meeting last night. We discussed many different things about tourism. Your President Rob has been busy behind the scenes with loads of meetings with government regarding the Air Vanuatu situation and particularly the domestic sectors. Nick has been busy with the cruise ship committee and as always Carmen our secretary has been flat out recording everything and attending all the other meetings.

More on these will be disclosed in the near future so watch this space.

Also we have decided to do member profiles so I will be contacting you soon for a spot of information about your business, photos, logos etc so we can highlight you on FB as A Professional in Tourism.

04/06/2024

With the latest disruptions of airlines. VCCI has been asked to collect some information on the behalf of the Vanuatu Governement in regards to how it has affected your business.

Tour operators and business owners its super important to do this survey and should only take a couple of minutes.

The result may mean there is a subsidy for those who have lost business due to the airline collapse

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

28/05/2024

17 signatures are still needed! Support Santo tourism - resume the international flight from Brisbane

27/05/2024

We have all heard about the possibility of Qantas and Jet Star setting up routes into Vanuatu with a request of 1790 seats per week each way over peak periods.

That's pretty exciting and roughly equates to 256 passengers per day.
Not to mention the flights from Air Solomons and Air Fiji as well. So potentially we could be in for 300 passengers per day arriving during peak periods.

If you are a tour operator, you need to start thinking now on how you can capitalise on this great opportunity.

One way is to ensure your brochures and pricing is up to date and in the resorts. To be in the VHRA member Resorts you are required to be a member of VTOA. If you are not a member it is very simple to join.

Gather up these docs and send an email to the address below.
1. Business License
2. Public liability insurance
3. Tourism permit
4. 5000vatu membership fee.

Email this through to Carmen [email protected]

Or come and have a chat to Andy at Vanuatu Watersports Port Vila next to Nambawan cafe in town.

Let's all work together to make Tourism great again. This Christmas could be one of the best on record.

19/05/2024

VTO has a great advertising program going on with Virgin Airways at the moment. Along with Virgin cranking up advertising on Vanuatu.

VTO IS ASKING FOR OUR HELP

WHAT CAN OPERATORS DO
VTO Australia is running consumer campaigns that will drive to Vanuatu.travel/au/deals. We ask if you can please send us your deals that have a longer book by period, for travel to 31 March 2025 and we’ll ensure they are on the VTO deals page.
We are coordinating a range of travel agent famils and agent training sessions so if you’re interested in hosting travel agents or participating in training webinars please contact us via [email protected]
Please send us any product updates, new images or news we can share with media partners
Pls also take this opportunity to reconnect with any Australian trade partners you work with, Australian wholesalers and retailers are actively promoting Vanuatu in May and beyond and bookings are still strong overall despite Air Vanuatu’s voluntary liquidation
Update your website listing on www.vanuatu.travel contact Jimmy at [email protected]

Looking for Vanuatu holiday packages? Discover cheap flights to Vanuatu and great accommodation deals. Start planning your next adventure today!