Vanuatu are seeking to improve upon their sporting success in 2016 ©VASANOC/Twitter

Vanuatu Sports and National Olympic Committee (VASANOC) chief executive Henry Tavoa is looking forward to a "landmark" year of sport in which they will host the 2017 Pacific Mini Games.

A statement sent out to mark the New Year promoted the regional event, which will be held from December 4 to 15.

Around 2,000 athletes from 24 teams are set to participate.

This year also marks the historic 30th anniversary of Vanuatu being accepted as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"Since 1963, we have participated in 48 Games and most of our sporting history is connected to our participation in these Games," Tavoa said.

"The dates are for one month from Monday May 22 until Friday June 23, 2017.

Vanuatu's team pictured marching at the Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016 ©Getty Images
Vanuatu's team pictured marching at the Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

"May 22 is when Vanuatu was accepted into the Olympic Family in 1987 and Friday June 23 is the Olympic Day.

"The celebrations will end with the Olympic Day Events on Saturday June 24."

Vanuatu has never won an Olympic medal and sent four athletes to Rio 2016 in August.

The delegation included table tennis player Yoshua Shing, who served as flagbearer before losing his first round match.  

Tavoa also outlined how other events planned for this year include a sports festival with schools and youth groups as well as a National Sports Awards.