Minister for Justice, The Hon. Bakoa Kaltonga

Vanuatu's premier trade event has officially commenced in the island of Espiritu Santo, the first time the show has ever moved outside of Port Vila.

Overseeing the official proceedings in lieu of the Deputy Prime Minister who is also the Minister for Tourism, the Minister for Justice, The Hon. Bakoa Kaltonga said hosting the event in Espirtu Santo proved "ultra special".

"Although it is long overdue, the Government is pleased to see the collaboration of the tourism office and suppliers to make this dream realized and shows that Santo is capable of hosting this event," Mr Kaltonga said, reading from the Deputy PM's speech, adding the importance that "the tourism benefits trickle outside of Port Vila".

Of 54 international buyers representing 43 companies, only seven have chosen to forgo the Santo portion of Tok Tok where 21 suppliers are being represented.  The others will join the Port Vila portion where 51 companies have registered to showcase their products on Thursday when Tok Tok resumes in Efate.

Mr Kaltonga said tourism represented 40 per cent of the country's GDP bringing AUD$190 million revenue and arrivals to Espiritu Santo and its outer islands was important to ensure tourism dollars were not concentrated in Port Vila and Efate only.

The bulk of tourism to Vanuatu out of Port Vila is to neighboring diving destination island Tanna, although travellers then choose a shorter length of stay compared with visitation to Santo where visitors are likely to stay up to one week.