The official opening of Port Vila’s new seafront precinct, a project valued at approximately AUD$16.5 million has been unveiled today, offering a refreshed new waterfront location for tourists and locals to enjoy.
The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) is pleased to welcome the 1.2 kilometre waterfront walkway, which provides travellers with easy access to a number of restaurants, bars, tours, markets and watersports; all with stunning views of Port Vila Harbour.
Activities in the precinct that are now more easily accessible include diving, kayaking, scenic helicopter rides and motorised water sports.
Visitors to the area can also dine at one of the restaurants or cafes, making the newly developed space an important addition to the tourism industry that allows visitors to soak up the tropical surrounds and experience the laid back vibe of Port Vila.
The project, funded as part of the New Zealand Aid Programme which delivers New Zealand’s official support for developing countries, will also ensure conservation and preservation of the seafront area. In addition to providing coastal protection from erosion, a rain garden has been put in place to capture water running off the road and filter it before it enters the harbour.
Vanuatu Tourism Office’s General Manager, Adela Issachar Aru, said she welcomes the new seafront development and sees it as a great addition to the overall tourism experience in Vanuatu.
“While we have always had the stunning ocean vista, the seafront has previously been underutilised with many visitors and locals missing out on the potential of the space,” she said.
“I’m delighted that this project has been completed and it’s heart-warming to see our visitors enjoying the restaurants and activities along the walkway.”
The opening of the seafront is just one of a number of infrastructure development programs coming to completion in Vanuatu. In addition to the new cruise ship wharf in Espiritu Santo, which opened on 27 August, 2017, the refurbishment of the airport terminal in Port Vila is due to be completed by the end of the year.
