For Vanuatu resort owner Joel Slattery, the collapse of the nation’s airline this month seemed inevitable.
But that hasn’t made its demise, coming after a series of other crises in the nation, any easier for the tourism industry.
“It’s affected a lot of people and just after we’ve all come through COVID and cyclones,” Mr Slattery said.
“As if we don’t have enough natural disasters that occurred, we don’t need this mess thrown in on the top of all that,” he said.
For years, state-owned Air Vanuatu was plagued with issues including flight delays and cancellations.
A report by Air Vanuatu’s liquidator, Ernst & Young, last week found the airline had been in financial distress, dealing with large debts and unable to pay for spare parts needed to keep its sole Boeing 737 in the air.
Mr Slattery, who operates The Moso resort on an island near the capital Port Vila, said the airline’s troubles had already taken a toll on Vanuatu’s tourism.
“It’s having…
