Vanuatu is preparing for one of its largest tourism investments, with Royal Caribbean Group and the government agreeing to hold a groundbreaking ceremony in November for the VT6.5 billion Royal Beach Club Lelepa development on Lelepa Island, north of Efate.
The project, funded by Royal Caribbean Group, will establish the company’s first exclusive cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere, expanding Vanuatu’s position within the South Pacific cruise tourism market.
The announcement followed high-level discussions at Royal Caribbean’s headquarters in Miami on 28 September between company executives and a Vanuatu delegation led by Minister of Trade and Commerce Robson Iavro.
The delegation included Ministry of Trade and Commerce Director General Noah Patrick Kouback and Department of Tourism Director Paul Pio. Discussions involved Royal Caribbean International President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Bayley and other senior company representatives.
The proposed destination will cater to cruise passengers making day visits to Lelepa Island. Planned facilities include beach precincts on the island’s eastern and western shores, food and beverage outlets, water activity rentals, a children’s playground, a nature trail and supporting infrastructure.
A dedicated Mamas Market will provide space for local vendors, creating opportunities for Ni-Vanuatu businesses to supply products and services directly to international visitors.
The development also includes staff accommodation and utilities required to support operations.
The groundbreaking ceremony is planned to coincide with Vanuatu’s November parliamentary sitting, allowing members of Parliament, local communities and company representatives to participate.
Royal Caribbean executives have identified the development as an addition to the company’s expanding network of exclusive destinations, with the Australian cruise market expected to be an important source of visitors.
For Vanuatu, the investment offers opportunities beyond tourism arrivals. Construction, maintenance, transport, food supply, cultural products and hospitality services could generate commercial activity and employment.
Local business participation will be important in determining how widely the economic benefits are distributed.
The project also presents opportunities for Vanuatu to strengthen its cruise tourism infrastructure and build commercial relationships with international operators.
Royal Caribbean expects the destination to open in October 2027, subject to the project’s construction and commissioning timetable.
