Tourism following Anthropological Study

In the 1970's Queen Elizabeth traveled to Pentecost to observe a Naghol performance which unfortunately had tragic consequences. The dives usually take place in April or March, but the Queen was due to visit in February which meant the vines tied around the divers ankles were still too wet and not dry enough to remain intact under the tension of the dive. Both lianas broke and the diver broke his back, later dying in the hospital. (Jolly 2016, p.25)

Since the 70s tourists have traveled in large numbers to Pentecost to observe the ritual and the money associated with that has altered the frequency of the ritual itself. Following an article and video in National Geographic tour companies became involved and a hotel was constructed to support increased tourism. Originally only a few towers were built each year, but according to Jolly around 20 or 30 are built per year at several sites. (Jolly 2016. p.28) Many blame the increase in diving accidents and deaths on the demand for performances for tourists, as it results in the dives being performed at the wrong times or towers being built by unqualified people in pursuit of profit.

This website is an example of the tourist packages that can be purchased today for a trip to watch the Naghol of Pentecost.

https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/air-vanuatu-land-diving-packages