Foreign investors are showing renewed confidence in Vanuatu’s tourism industry, with approvals for accommodation and food-service projects rising sharply during the second quarter of 2026.
Fifteen foreign investment registrations were approved in the accommodation and food-services sector during the quarter, compared with eight in the first three months of the year.
That represents an increase of 87.5 per cent quarter-on-quarter and was also 7.1 per cent higher than the comparable period a year earlier.
Tourism-related investment accounted for 18.8 per cent of all approved foreign investment registrations, making it Vanuatu’s second-largest investment sector during the quarter after professional, scientific and technical activities.
Investment also increased in businesses supporting the visitor economy. Approvals in arts, entertainment and recreation rose from one to seven, while other service activities increased from five to eight.
Overall, Vanuatu recorded 80 approved foreign direct investment registrations in the second quarter, up 14.3 per cent from the first quarter.
Department of Tourism Director Paul Pio said the figures supported signs of returning investor confidence.
“Fifteen new tourism investments in a single quarter, almost double the previous quarter, tells us that confidence in our destination is real and growing,” Pio said.
The increase comes as Vanuatu continues rebuilding a tourism economy repeatedly affected by the pandemic, natural disasters, airline difficulties and infrastructure pressures.
Pio said the growth in recreation and visitor-experience businesses was particularly encouraging because it indicated investment was broadening beyond accommodation.
For international investors, Vanuatu offers strong natural attractions but also presents challenges common to smaller Pacific markets, including high transport costs, limited infrastructure and exposure to natural disasters.
The Government says new investors will be supported through the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and other agencies while being encouraged to align projects with the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Policy.
One challenge is spreading investment beyond the main tourism and commercial centre.
SHEFA Province accounted for 87.5 per cent of approved foreign investment registrations during the quarter, with additional approvals recorded in SANMA and TAFEA.
The Government now wants more investment to reach the provinces so tourism can create jobs and business opportunities beyond Port Vila and Efate.
The latest figures suggest international investors are returning. The next test will be whether that confidence translates into sustained visitor growth and broader benefits for communities across Vanuatu.
