Vanuatu Community Leaders Voice Concerns Over Royal Caribbean’s Lelepa Beach Club
Indigenous community leaders in Vanuatu are expressing significant apprehension regarding Royal Caribbean’s proposed private beach club development on the island of Lelepa. Concerns centre on the adequacy and accuracy of the cruise operator’s environmental impact assessments, which community leaders deem “incomplete” and “misleading.”
These objections were formally communicated in a letter dispatched to Royal Caribbean on February 26th. The community leaders have also highlighted the potential for the development to negatively impact the island’s delicate ecosystems and a nearby UNESCO World Heritage site.
Royal Caribbean has secured a lease for a portion of Lelepa, a 5km-long island inhabited by approximately 500 people. The ambitious project aims to establish a resort capable of accommodating up to 5,000 visitors daily, with an anticipated opening in 2027. This development is slated to be a key destination for cruise ship passengers embarking on Pacific tours from Australia.
While construction has yet to commence, promotional materials from Royal Caribbean outline plans for an extensive facility featuring 10 bars, two eateries, and two private beach resorts, including a dedicated adults-only zone.
Calls for Comprehensive Consultation and Assessment
The paramount chief of Lelepa, Ruben Natamatewia III, a key signatory to the letter, stressed the critical need for extensive consultation. “There needs to be lots of consultation so every person here understands what they are doing and can approve the work to go ahead,” he stated. Chief Natamatewia III is the highest-ranking customary leader on the island.
The council of chiefs, representing various customary landowners on Lelepa, has also sharply criticised the environmental impact assessment (EIA) commissioned by Royal Caribbean. They argue that the report is insufficient and that local communities were not adequately involved in the assessment process. The letter explicitly states: “The current EIA is incomplete, misleading, and does not meet the standards required under Vanuatu law.”
The chiefs are demanding that construction be halted until outstanding assessments and consultations receive the full acceptance of the chiefs and customary owners. Furthermore, the council has requested a thorough cultural heritage assessment to safeguard culturally significant sites from any adverse effects of Royal Caribbean’s plans. Concerns have been raised about Fels Cave, a World Heritage site located to the island’s south, which is renowned for its ancient rock art and holds profound cultural importance.
Chief Natamatewia III acknowledged that the Royal Caribbean project “could be a good thing,” but expressed significant reservations about the “realism” of the current environmental assessment. He reiterated the necessity for “more consultation with the communities.” He also voiced his dissatisfaction that the island was already being advertised as a private beach resort, despite these unresolved issues.
Landowner Perspectives and Environmental Concerns
Chief Tungulman Albert Solomon Peter Manaure, an Australia-based representative of the Lelepa council, echoed these sentiments. While landowners generally support tourism initiatives, a substantial number remain worried about the potential repercussions of the resort on vital turtle nesting sites and traditional fishing grounds.
Manaure, who also operates a tourism business on Lelepa, emphasised the deep connection the community has with its natural resources. “The ocean and the land are our bank – that’s where we harvest our resources, where we turn it into food or into cash,” he explained. “If Royal Caribbean wants to do this project on Lelepa, we want to make sure it is done in the right way, with the environment properly protected.”
Royal Caribbean’s Response and Industry Context
In its initial response to inquiries, Royal Caribbean stated that it had submitted its EIA and asserted that it “complies with Vanuatu environmental regulations,” adding that the development site is “at the opposite end of the world heritage site.”
Following further questioning, the company indicated that it was still in the process of incorporating feedback from public consultations into the final EIA before its submission. This process, they stated, would encompass “matters related to environmental protection and waste management.” A spokesperson confirmed that Royal Caribbean is actively pursuing all necessary permits for the EIA to facilitate the Royal Beach Club Lelepa development.
The company also stated its commitment to working collaboratively with the government, local chiefs, environmental organisations, and the community to “ensure the natural environment is protected.” They affirmed a priority on “the protection of Lelepa’s natural ecosystems” and highlighted their close cooperation with the government and custom landowners to secure the necessary leases.
Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital, has long been a regular port of call for Royal Caribbean cruise ships, with passengers often disembarking for beach excursions, hikes, and cultural activities as part of their Pacific itineraries. Discussions between Royal Caribbean and local landowners regarding the establishment of a permanent tourism facility on Lelepa, akin to its exclusive beach clubs in the Bahamas, have been ongoing since at least 2018.
The Vanuatu government was approached for comment but did not provide a response to the Guardian’s questions.
The broader environmental implications of cruise ship travel have attracted increasing scrutiny in recent years. Several European port cities have implemented restrictions on cruise ships due to concerns over pollution and overtourism. Despite these challenges, the cruise industry is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating record numbers of American travellers opting for cruise holidays in 2025.
Professor Joseph Cheer, a specialist in sustainable tourism and heritage at Western Sydney University, observed that such large-scale developments often underscore the delicate balance faced by small island nations between attracting tourism revenue and preserving their local environments and communities. Professor Cheer noted, “Cruise tourism is often criticised for its adverse environmental impacts, questionable economic impacts and the way it wields power and influence over small island countries.” He added, “With good governance of the sector, it is possible to overcome evident friction points.”
