Prime Minister Danny Philip announced recently that his government hoped that tourism would become one of the country’s major foreign exchange earners.
As a result, Philip’s government has now moved to secure land for tourism investment with landowners and investors in collaboration with provincial authorities.
He said through the Ministry of Tourism, the Visitors Bureau and other stakeholders are working on marketing strategies to highlight Solomon Islands as one of the safest tourism destinations in the region.
In addition, a proposed School of Tourism and Hospitality will be built soon to assist in providing quality service to our visitors.
“Efficient and cost effective airline routes both international and domestic will also be considered,” he said.
The country’s national airline, Solomon Airlines has purchased a Dash 8 and an A320 airbus, an initiative welcomed by Philip, who described it as a right step toward tourism development.
At the same time, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is progressing plans to upgrade and improve the country’s provincial airstrips.
One of the major development plans includes the upgrading of Munda airport to international standards.
“These undertakings should greatly assist in our overall tourism development,” Philip said.
“And it is gratifying to note that our tourism numbers have increased steadily after a downturn in the period 2000-2002 due to the ethnic conflict.”
Since 2003, the number of visitors coming into the country has increased dramatically.
Last year alone, the country recorded an overwhelming 20,300 visitors, the highest so far and indications are that the numbers will double this year, said Philip.
“These are positive signs of our growing tourism industry and I would like to remind our overseas visitors and guests that you are most welcomed to Solomon Islands,” he said.
As the country prepares to host the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts on July 1-14t next year, the prime minister said more visitors would be flooding in.
