On the back of being named the happiest place on earth in 2010 by Lonely Planet, Vanuatu is attracting increasing numbers of visitors. In 2016,the country received 95,000 international overnight visitors and over 256,000 cruise passenger day visitors.The country’s natural and cultural attractions are a draw, especially for cruise lines.However, as with other countries in the region,infrastructure, product offerings, especially hotels,need to be further developed. Changes are happening,which suggest that the country is fast becoming a  attractive destination for hotel developers,investors and operators.
 

An archipelago of 83 islands located 1,200 miles northeast of Brisbane and 600 miles west of Fiji, the islands host 158 species of orchids and 136 species of birds of which nine are endemic to Vanuatu. The country was also the setting for the musical “South Pacific” and an important depot for American forces during World War II. 


The islands of Efate, home to the capital of Port Vila, and Espiritu Santo Island attract most of the air and cruise visitors, but the other islands are also striving to develop tourism. Activities include horseback riding, cave tours, visits to the Mt. Yasur active volcano on Tanna Island, a wild food tour and the SS Coolidge wreck dive. Mt. Yasur is one of the few drivable volcanoes in the world. With over 100 languages, Vanuatu also offers a diversity of cultural experiences. What is lacking, though, are accommodations.