Cruise tourism injected $34 million - Australian dollars - into the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu and brought an estimated further $18 million dollars in indirect economic benefits last year, according to a new study. 

The study, jointly funded by cruise company Carnival Australia, the Australian Government, and World Bank Group member IFC, also found that the cruise industry is estimated to provide more than 3,000 employment opportunities in Vanuatu. 

Vanuatu Prime Minister, the Hon Joe Natuman, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, the Hon Julie Bishop, World Bank Group Vice President Rachel Kyte, and Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry AO, announced the results of the study at a press conference held in Apia today to coincide with the Small Island Developing States conference.

In Vanuatu, the findings were announced simultaneously in Port Vila by the Hon Ham Lini, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Industry, Commerce and Tourism. 

Prime Minister Natuman said, “There are twice as many visitors arriving in Vanuatu by ship rather than by air, but until now we have had no real data validating the importance of cruise tourism on the country’s economic growth and job creation.” “Based on this report’s recommendations, we can further grow the industry and provide more business and employment opportunities for our people,” Natuman said.