The Government has announced a $26 million package aimed at helping the tourism sector in Vanuatu recover following Cyclone Pam.

'Tourism accounts for 20 per cent of the Vanuatu economy and employs 26 per cent of the labour force. Getting the tourism sector back up a running is vital to Vanuatu's long-term recovery from Cyclone Pam,” says Foreign Minister Murray McCully.

Terry Firiam, Esline Moli and Debbie Starr with the container that arrived in Vanuatu from Tauranga earlier this month. Photo: Facebook.

'The funding announced today is split into two distinct parts. A $10 million package which will help restore confidence in Vanuatu as a tourist destination and a $16 million programme of infrastructure redevelopment, focused on the waterfront and cruise ship precinct in Port Vila.”

The government package is just one of many ways New Zealand is pitching in to help the island nation rebuild.

The Tauranga community recently sent a container filled with much needed supplies for the cyclone ravaged region.

Former Bethlehem College student Courtney Tilby was working as a volunteer teacher on the island of Pentecost when the cyclone hit.

She saw first-hand the devastation that was left in Pam's wake and was determined to help in any way she could.

After returning to Tauranga in April, Courtney and her mum, Kerri Tilby-Price, set about filling a container with items that would help victims of the cyclone.

The government's recently announced tourism package is being described as an investment to help ensure vital facilities are able to cope with growing arrival numbers and are more resilient to future storms and extreme weather events.

'The tourism component will focus on increasing tourism income and employment opportunities through an international marketing campaign, raising standards, and developing new tourism products and services,” says Murray.

'Our support for the redevelopment of the waterfront will greatly improve the cruise ship visitor experience and better connect the cruise ship precinct with local tourism operators and markets.”

The recovery package is in addition to the $5 million in funding for humanitarian and early recovery work provided by New Zealand in the three and a half months since the cyclone hit.

It will also be supplemented with other support in areas such as education, water and sanitation once Vanuatu presents its overall recovery plan.