New Air Access for Vanuatu: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct, non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians an easier route to Santo’s northern tourism hub and boosting capacity for short breaks and week-long escapes. Tourism Partnerships: The Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, aiming to lift global visibility through trade shows, roadshows and sales missions via Fiji’s gateway network. Regional Travel Demand: The South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 in Fiji logged record participation and business meetings, with stronger Pacific representation including growth from Papua New Guinea and broader inclusion for smaller island states. Pacific Safety Watch: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific coastal monitoring systems were placed on alert for possible tsunami impacts, with Vanuatu included in the regional advisory list. Sovereignty & Tourism Risk: Vanuatu’s dispute with France over Matthew and Hunter (Umaenupne/Umaeneg) remains unresolved as talks stall, with potential knock-on effects for regional relations and investment. OFC Football Boost: Vanuatu United FC is among the clubs in the financially secured OFC Pro League, which runs across the Pacific and keeps Port Vila on the football travel map.