Off the shores of Aimeliik, one of Palau’s northern states, a new conservation and tourism destination is now welcoming visitors. Ngerchebal Island officially opened May 9, the latest project launched through collaboration among local leaders, national partners, and community partners.
Funded in part by a grant from Taiwan, the island was inaugurated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Aimeliik Gov. Browny Simer; Taiwan Ambassador to Palau Jessica Lee; Delegate Warren S. Umetaro, chairman of the House of Delegates Tourism Committee; Palau Visitors Authority Managing Director Kadoi Ruluked; and Yani Elangel Mesubed, director of the Bureau of Tourism under the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development.
The site is promoted as offering “a unique blend of natural beauty and sustainable recreation.” It is part of Palau’s expanding portfolio of community-based tourism destinations, and it focuses on water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming, as well as camping in a protected natural environment. Basic infrastructure—bathrooms, showers and maintained trails—has been installed to support a comfortable visitor experience.
Ngerchebal joins Palau’s Alii Pass Program, which grants access to state-managed conservation areas. Officials see the island as a blueprint for how communities can align environmental protection with economic opportunity through nature-based tourism.
Its debut comes at a time of growing momentum in Palau’s tourism sector. A direct Qantas flight from Brisbane is bringing travelers from Australia and the South Pacific, and United Airlines is scheduled to resume direct service between Japan and Palau in October.
Tourism data released May 23 by the Palau Visitors Authority showed strong gains. In April, Palau welcomed 5,426 visitors, a 23% increase over the same month in 2024. China led all markets with 1,605 arrivals, representing nearly 30% of the total. Taiwan followed with 1,105 visitors—up from 1,050 last year—and a 20.4% market share.
Japan accounted for 476 arrivals, an 8.8% share and an increase from 459 visitors in April 2024. Despite a lack of direct flights, officials said this indicates “ongoing recovery.”
The U.S. and Canada brought in 786 visitors (14.5%), a slight dip from March but still ahead of April 2024. Europe showed robust growth with 758 arrivals (14%), triple the 248 recorded a year ago. Australia posted 342 arrivals (6.3%), up from 190 in April 2024—an 80% year-over-year increase driven by direct flights and focused marketing campaigns.
From January through April 2025, total arrivals reached 23,165—a 21% increase from the same period last year. China, Taiwan and North America continue to drive growth, while Europe and Australia are emerging as rising source markets, PVA officials stated.
Ruluked said recent growth and ongoing local investment in tourism infrastructure are reasons for optimism. Palau’s post-pandemic recovery strategy, he said, is centered on attracting high-value travelers with a shared commitment to environmental responsibility. To build on that momentum, the Palau Visitors Authority is “prioritizing strategic marketing and partnership initiatives aimed at ensuring continued growth and fostering a sustainable, diversified flow of visitors,” Ruluked said. mbj