Richard Butler | Exclusive Report by AUSTRALASIAN LEISURE MANAGEMENT | 22ND SEPTEMBER, 2025
Pacific island destinations achieved their biggest month ever for Australian travellers in July with 71,710 visits, driven by rapid growth in emerging destinations, with Vanuatu experiencing an extraordinary 130% surge compared to July last year.
As reported by travelinsurance.com.au, Vanuatu’s July surge represents the third largest single month on record, with 8,400 trips marking the biggest July ever and sitting 8% higher than pre-COVID levels. The destination has bounced back dramatically from a slow 2024 and December’s earthquake disruption, aided by promotional campaigns designed to rebuild tourism confidence.
Australia’s second-most popular Pacific island destination (55,930 annual visitors) demonstrates how strategic recovery efforts and authentic appeal can drive explosive growth, with pent-up demand, promotional pricing, and viral social media discovery combining to deliver record visitor numbers.
Island Getaway Resurgence
The Pacific tourism boom extends beyond traditional favourites, with Samoa delivering a 52% increase in July visits (43,990 annual visitors), marking its biggest July ever. This resurgence in alternative island getaways is driving overall regional growth as Australians seek fresh experiences.
While Fiji remains the Pacific’s tourism giant with over 400,000 annual visits and solid 2.3% growth, the explosive growth in destinations like Vanuatu and Samoa shows Australians are increasingly diversifying their island holiday choices beyond the established favourite.
Australians made 668,390 trips to Pacific islands over the past year, with emerging destinations capturing disproportionate growth as travellers discover lesser-travelled gems.
Travelinsurance.com.au Chief Executive, Shaun McGowan commented “Vanuatu’s 130% July growth shows how Pacific destinations can turn challenges into opportunities.
“While Fiji maintains its spot as the clear favourite, we’re seeing Australians actively seek out lesser-travelled gems for more authentic island experiences.”
